Pittsburgh Marathon organizers look to pay tribute to Boston, review security measures

PITTSBURGH — In the wake of Monday's terror attack in Boston, organizers of next month’s Pittsburgh Marathon are looking to pay tribute to Boston while increasing security.

Race director Patrice Matamoros told Channel 11 that participants in Pittsburgh’s race are determined to run for Boston.

About 30,000 runners will participate in the race scheduled for May 5 in Pittsburgh.

Matamoros said organizers of the Pittsburgh Marathon are talking with other race coordinators in the region about coming up with a way to pay tribute to Boston.

However, with the attack in Boston in mind, organizers are also working to beef up security.

Matamoros said intense security was already scheduled, with more than 500 off-duty police and security guards.

Matamoros said bomb sweeps are standard protocol and more sweeps are now possible in light of Monday's attack. She said there are also plans in the works to keep access to the finish line limited.

"That perimeter is probably going to be really tight now, where you're not getting into the finish line area unless you're credentialed or you're a runner. At that finish line, we'll probably staff extra officers or security," Matamoros said.

Pittsburgh Emergency Management Director Ray DeMichiei said that he will be reviewing plans for the marathon with police and other agencies.

He told Channel 11 that 16 explosive-detecting dogs will be deployed at the marathon.

“We paid for the dogs. We trained the dogs. We have about 16 of them throughout the region. We have a specialized response vehicle, all paid for with Homeland Security dollars, said DeMichiei.

In a statement Tuesday, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by yesterday's tragic events in Boston. We cannot let the terrible acts of a few affect our support for what promises to be the fourth-consecutive, safe and successful Pittsburgh Marathon.

"We have successfully hosted large-scale events ranging from Super Bowl and Stanley Cup parades to the G-20 Economic Summit, and I am confident that our well-trained public safety officials will keep residents and visitors safe during next month's race."

WPXI