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Tag: Boston Marathon 2014

  • American Meb Keflezighi Wins Boston Marathon

    An American man has won the Boston Marathon for the first time in more than 30 years.

    Meb Keflezighi, a 38-year-old immigrant from war-torn Eritrea, finished Monday’s race in an unofficial time of 2:08:37.

    The last time an American won the men’s race was in 1983 when Greg Meyer won and the last time an American woman has won was in 1985 when Lisa Larsen Weidenback came in first.

    Rita Jeptoo of Kenya won Monday’s women’s race in 2:18:57, a new course record.

    This isn’t the first time Keflezighi has brought marathon glory back to the United States. In 2009, Keflezighi was the first American man to win the New York City Marathon since Alberto Salazar won in 1982.

    Keflezighi – pronounced ka-FLEZ-ghee – and his family came to the U.S. in the mid-1980s after fleeing their native Asmara, Eritrea. They settled in Italy for a short time before making their way to San Diego.

    More than 30,000 racers started the Boston Marathon on Monday morning under tight security following last year’s bombing which killed three and injured hundreds of others.

    Boston remains strong despite the attack. Nearly 36,000 signed up to run the race – 9,000 more than usual – to show support and defiance.

    And the bombing did nothing to deter on-lookers this year. A record crowd of one million people – twice the usual number – was expected to watch.

    Image via YouTube

  • Boston Marathon: Spirits High Amid Added Security

    Individuals from around the world arrived in Boston, Mass. in recent days to both pay their respects to the victims of last year’s tragic Boston Marathon Bombings and to take part in this year’s event.

    The fact that nearly ten thousand more people signed up for this year’s race is indicative of the spirit of the Boston Marathon.

    While the increase in the number of participants and spectators suggests a strong will to move beyond the horrors of last year, some worry that the larger crowd will make it difficult on law enforcement officials.

    Authorities have added new security measures to the Boston Marathon meant to avoid any copycat bombings.

    The success of these adjustments has yet to be determined, leaving some nervous about whether steps taken by officials will be enough to prevent any major incidents.

    Officials are confident that their security measures will significantly cut down on the danger.

    For instance, there are 100 cameras installed along the Boston city portion of the marathon. Officials also state that they have banned backpacks of any kind from the course. There will be eyes and ears near the final stretch, all cautiously observing any suspicious activities or behaviors.

    The Boston Athletic Association, which is the body responsible for organizing the marathon, has requested that everyone leave their handbags and backpacks at home in order to make things easier.

    Unregistered participants are not allowed to “jump into” the race this year, even if it is a well meaning gesture of support for the event and its participants.

    Said the BAA, “We are aware that many people want to participate in some way in this year’s Boston Marathon as a display of support, but we ask that those who are not official participants to refrain from entering the course for the safety of the runners and themselves.”

    It didn’t help the nerves of locals and participants when a man was arrested on the night of the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombings in what authorities have declared a hoax.

    Some worry that tasteless individuals will attempt to damper the spirits of supporters with feigned terrorist threats before or during the Boston Marathon.

    Not only would these actions be thoughtless and cruel, they could distract from genuine threats.

    All that can be hoped is that the added measures will keep participants and supporters of this year’s race safe from any kind of disturbance.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Boston Marathon 2014 Safety Plan Unveiled

    As April 15th approaches, we as a nation recall with sorrow last year’s Boston Marathon bombings, which killed three and injured over two hundred others. This year, Boston city officials are strengthening security presence and introducing more strident safety measures to help prevent such a tragedy from happening again, reports Boston.com.

    Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans outlined the improvements at a City Hall press conference on Saturday.

    Commissioner Evans said, as is to be expected, that there would be “some uniform presence” but they also intend to “really increase the undercover officers working.” There will also be checkpoints throughout the area of the marathon.

    Police will be monitoring crowd capacity in areas to prevent potentially unmanageable and dangerous “gridlock of people.” They are also heavily discouraging, though not banning, “backpacks, baby strollers, anything bulky that will make our job a little more difficult” in order to reduce bomb threats.

    Over 100 cameras along the route have also been installed to monitor threats in addition to having officers on the ground.

    Evans asked citizens to follow the rule of “see something, say something.” Anyone who sees suspicious activity can call 911 or text “Boston” to 69050.

    “Since 4/15 things have changed, you know, they really have, but the goal is to make it a safe, family day,” Commissioner Evans assured.

    Boston Emergency Management Services Commissioner James Hooley also joined the conference to add that there would be extra ambulances and medical tents. He assured that all departments had “coordinated […] to ensure a rapid response to any situation.”

    Boston Transportation Department Commissioner James Gillooly noted that there would be road closures during the marathon. However, he emphasized that they very much want to “encourage people to use the T, use public transit” despite some altered routes and out-of-service stops.

    Mayor Martin J. Walsh finished the conference on a hopeful note, praising the marathon as a “showcase of our city’s best qualities.” In spite of the painful past, Bostonians can be confident that the marathon’s tradition will press on.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons