Nassau County police will deploy radiation detectors amid a dozen security measures planned for the Long Island Marathon this weekend to thwart a repeat of the Boston Marathon bombings two weeks ago.
Events and races on Friday and Saturday in the run-up to the full 26.2-mile foot race Sunday will also include precautions that will make key areas of the route—mostly the start and finish line—as tight as an airport terminal. Authorities are also asking for the public’s help.
“If something or someone seems out of place, please call 911,” Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said while plugging the See Something Say Something Campaign.
Police will also deploy bomb-sniffing dogs, have uniformed and plainclothes officers keeping the peace and will inspect all bags all three days.
Spectators will be banned from the starting line on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard and from bringing bags to the finish line in Eisenhower Park.
Participating runners will be required to use clear bags, arrive early to navigate road closures and are warned that bags or packages found on the ground will be discarded or destroyed.
Runners and volunteers must pick up their credentials and bibs at The Expo Center located at Mitchel Field from 3-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. All vehicles at the staging areas must be credentialed in advance.
Registration for marathon weekend closed Tuesday. A sports and fitness expo at Mitchell Field in Uniondale kicks off the events Friday and Saturday.
A 1-mile run, a 5K race and a kids’ fun run is scheduled for Saturday. The marathon, half-marathon and a 10K race are all slated for Sunday.
The races will force road closures from Wantagh State Parkway between Sunrise Highway and Brush Hollow Road, as well as stretches of Jericho Turnpike, Old Country Road, Merrick Avenue, Salisbury Park Drive, Carmen Avenue and Charles Lindbergh Boulevard.
