In these weeks since the Boston bombings, I’m noticing tighter security at the races I’ve run.
- Bag inspection at the Soldier Field 10-miler
- Mandatory, standard-issue clear gear check bag at the North Shore Half
- Corrals have been locked down and closely monitored (not sure if this is security or just good organization)
Although I was only dabbling in running then (not racing) I suspect security was beefed up considerably immediately after 9-11, especially in big cities. At my first marathon in 2007, the security was very apparent. In the years I ran Boston I felt very secure in the Runners’ Village, throughout the racecourse and the city. Recently I’ve had a few people comment to me (not here, IRL) that maybe now security needs to be stepped up at races. I assured them that vast security measures are already in place. Reassuring yet creepy/scary at the same time.
Have you noticed changes in security measures at races since 4/15/13?
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Honestly I haven’t noticed a ton change…I haven’t thought much about it though and know most people won’t stop doing something they love.
Honestly, I think it should pretty much be a non-issue. This was not something targeting runners, but rather Americans in general. I won’t feel any less secure at my next race, regardless of new measures or lack thereof.
Amanda, I agree. I hate that race directors need to think about this at all.
I haven’t noticed an increase in security (btw, not sure those measures would have made a difference…it’s not like they can lock down the entire course…but i digress), but one of our local events was actually cancelled. It was scheduled to take place at the air force base and they decided against it. Very sad.
I noticed a lot of security the day before around the IM finish line. Maybe that’s because they were afraid I’d swipe a finisher’s medal and not actually do the race.
Which, if any of ya’ll at Pb can snag someone’s medal and bracelet, let me know so I can stop running.
I’ve only been in one race since Boston and it was entirely police escorted with more than three officers driving with us. I don’t know if if that’s what the norm in my hometown but I felt like it was a waist of public resources. Luckily where I live we have county and city so there werw
I’ve run three races of various sizes and locations since Boston and haven’t noticed a difference. I agree with Miss Zippy, it wasn’t an attack on runners in particular, more of one on a large crowd of Americans. I don’t feel less safe than I did before the Boston bombings.
Eugene and Bolder Boulder were pretty tight. I was very glad to see that Garden of the Gods had a very nice laid back after and post party. Of course, it’s a smaller race in the middle of nowhere.
I’ve only been in one race since Boston and it was entirely police escorted with more than three officers driving with us. I don’t know if if that’s what the norm in my hometown but I felt like it was a waist of public resources. Luckily where I live we have county and city so there were plenty to go around.
I hate to admit it, but I was so nervous spectating Boston’s Run to Remember. I hope that I don’t feel that again, but I am not sure.
Some of the races we have run recently have increased security (more law enforcement, no bags allowed, etc.) I am fine with that, within reason.
And I would never stop racing, it’s who I am!
There’s been no noticeable change over here and I’ve done a couple of races since Boston. Even the big race in Sydney was pretty low-key. I think it’s part of our “she’ll be right mate” culture.
Char that culture sounds pretty darn good to me!
I have definitely noticed a change. There was no baggage check at the Chase Corporate Challenge. After work in the city. Seriously!? What terrorist knows what/when the corporate challenge is. 13.1 had clear bags only – no one looked at them. NYRR took away trash cans. The security at the NY marathon has been more stringent since 9/11. I think the race start is really pretty low risk and you can’t police public streets. As my husband reminds me, crazy people will do crazy things and the odds of being impacted personally are smaller than being struck by lightening.