The organization that runs many racing events including one of the most popular marathons in San Diego said it’s already reviewing security protocol in response to the Boston Marathon bombings.
Competitor Group organizes events like the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon which is centered near Balboa Park and follows major highways and ends at 13th and K Streets in downtown San Diego.
In its official corporate statement it referred to this as a “critical dialogue” after the deadly explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday.
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Spokesperson Dan Cruz said his company is committed to providing the safest participant experience for runners and spectators.
“People are going to participate, they’re going to show,” Cruz said pointing out that marathon is considered an endurance sport for a reason.
“There’s not a better group of people than that running community and those who qualified for the Boston Marathon to bounce back and showcase just how strong our people are,” he said.
With the weather and terrain, San Diego is a great community for charities to organize walks, runs, bikes.
Upcoming events include the Ambulance Chase 5K on April 20, MS Walk in Carlsbad on April 21, Cycle Eastlake on April 27, La Jolla Half Marathon on April 28 and the Bay Bridge Run/Walk on May 19.
The large bicycle race Amgen Tour of California will attract thousands of people to Broadway and Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido on May 12 for the start/finish line of Stage 1.
Escondido’s Economic Development Director Joyce Masterson said the organizing committee had been working with tour organizers and local law enforcement agencies since last fall.
“Public Safety has been a key component of the plans for the AMGEN Tour of California,” Masterson said in a statement to NBC 7 San Diego. “You may be assured they will refine our existing security plans as appropriate to ensure a safe and successful event. However, we will not be divulging any of the specifics of those plans.”
Longtime San Diegan and Olympic marathon runner Meb Keflezighi said there has been high security at events like the New York City marathon but this incident may change all races, not just the high-profile ones.
“People enjoy taking pictures at the finish line, or visualize the finish line the night before…it’s not going to happen,” Keflezighi said.
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“People are not going to, cannot greet their loved ones or celebrate their achievement. It’s going to change a lot of things,” he said adding that his heart goes out to the families of those injured and killed in the explosions.
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