Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to line the Boston Marathon's 26-mile course from Hopkinton to Copley Square Monday morning, and safety is a top priority for organizers, police and local officials.
Forty-six local police departments, plus state and federal law enforcement agencies are working together ahead of the race to monitor any potential security threats. In addition to all the uniformed and plain-clothed police officers, people can expect to see K-9s, helicopters and even drones keeping an eye out along the entire route.
Law enforcement held a news conference ahead of the marathon kicking off, detailing their extensive coverage and planning of the event.
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"We plan for months," Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett said. "We bring an enormous amount of resources. There's a tremendous amount of collaboration that goes into making this a fun and safe day."
Massachusetts State Police said the law enforcement officers that are working the route are ready to respond.
"We are certainly dedicated to making sure this event kicks off appropriately and when it does, everybody enjoys the opportunity to come out here and cheer on the runners," Massachusetts State Police Interim Colonel John Mawn said. "It's not lost on us this is the 10th anniversary. We’ve been mindful of that."
The FBI Boston Division said that there had been no credible or specific threats made regarding the race that authorities were aware of.
"That can change at a moment's notice," Special Agent in Charge Joseph Bonavolonta said. "We’re still urging anybody even the morning of race day, throughout the entire day if they see anything suspicious at all please report it."
For spectators who do plan to watch the marathon, there are several items that organizers say not to bring, including bags larger than 12 inches, large blankets, costumes and props, containers that carry more than 33 ounces, or 1 liter of liquid, and of course, any weapons.
In addition to all the security measures, authorities are also counting on everyone at the marathon to report suspicious activity.
Leading officials from the Hopkinton Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and the FBI Boston Division are expected to hold a security news conference at 8 a.m. on the Hopkinton Town Common.
Meanwhile, Mass. Gov. Maura Healey is expected to visit the Marathon Command Center at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Framingham at 8 a.m., and speak with news media following her tour.
