As investigators scrutinize evidence in Monday’s bombing in Boston, organizers of large events across the region are assessing their safety plans.
On May 26th, the KeyBank Vermont City Marathon will welcome nearly 8,000 runners and an estimated 30,000 spectators to Burlington. RunVermont Communications Director Leandre Waldo-Johnson says the group is continuing normal planning for the event. She says they are not willing to publicly comment when too much remains unknown about the Boston bombing. She released a statement of condolence to the Boston Marathon community, which also notes that “As a result of Monday’s events, we will consider adjustments and enhancements to our plans. This work will be dynamic based on information we learn from Boston, and will take some time to complete.”
First Night Burlington brings 10,000 and 11,000 people to downtown Burlington every New Year’s Eve. Executive Director Jen Crowell says security for any event is multifaceted.
Crowell explains that some of those security plans are multipurpose.
The Olympic Regional Development Authority maintains the Olympic facilities in Lake Placid. Events throughout the year can draw thousands of people and ORDA spokesman Jon Lundin says security is ORDA’s primary concern.
Lundin says ORDA will meet with those authorities in the aftermath of the Boston bombing to rethink what is being done and what plans may need improvement.
Many events in Burlington have long, pre-established relationships with public safety agencies. Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling.
Chief Schirling anticipates security plans across the board will be adjusted.
Organizers of the Buffalo, NY marathon scheduled for May 26th say runners can expect tighter security measures in the wake of the explosions in Boston.
