Heavy Security Presence Expected During Pittsburgh Marathon
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- For many, the Pittsburgh Marathon is more than a race.
"I've grown up here and it's a nice way to see town," said April Kaminsky, of South Park. "It opens up a whole new appreciation for it, just like you're coming home.
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For Bob Graham, this will be his 25th.
"It's just a wonderful time of the year and it's just a wonderful experience," he said.
In the post-Boston age of major events, keeping it a wonderful experience in a big city is no small job, especially when the runners will make their way through the canyons of the Golden Triangle.
"We have a secure runner area, we have a secure spectator area, secure finish line area," said Patrice Matamoros, of the Pittsburgh Marathon. "We don't allow any bags in our corrals."
Runners bringing personal belongings to be secured must bring them in clear bags.
"There will be a lot of folks out there to make sure it's safe for everybody," said Matamoros. "About 600 between police officers and security teams that are private that will come in during the marathon and work."
They won't just be in the city's core; they'll also be in the neighborhoods.
"If you are a spectator with a big backpack, you may be asked to look inside the backpack to check the contents and then it would be tagged to indicate it has been inspected," Matamoros said.
It's a security presence designed not to intrude on dreams.
"I started from 5K, 10K, five miles, and I built up all my energy and I did run the 10 miles in the quarter and now I think I'm ready for the half," said Gail Martin, of Lawrenceville.
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