Nearly 40,000 runners and spectators will be in Burlington this Sunday for the annual KeyBank Vermont City Marathon. Security is tighter than in past years due to the bombing nearly six weeks ago at the Boston Marathon.
Days after the tragedy, race officials and the Burlington Police Department met to reassess security protocols for the Vermont City Marathon. Run Vermont Executive Director Peter Delaney says the plan is set by police, with information from race officials.
Additional uniformed and plain-clothes security will be on hand at race venues around Burlington on Sunday. Trash cans will be removed and replaced with clear plastic receptacles.
RunVermont and Burlington police are also asking spectators not to carry bags with them, if possible.
“If you have to bring something, bring it in a clear plastic bag," says Delaney. "Security will be looking to conduct some random inspections if they see a lot bags entering venues. Certainly you don’t want to leave any type of personal belonging unattended.”
The race starts in downtown Burlington at 8 o’clock Sunday morning. Police expect heavy traffic and crowds beginning earlier in the morning.
Police advisory on RunVermont blog.
