On Sunday, the City Parks Foundation Run in Central Park will have several hundred uniformed and plainclothes officers to help ensure the safety of the 8,000 expected runners and 400 children. This is a significant increase from the minimal police presence last year, and a direct result of the bombings at last week's Boston Marathon.
Additional security measures include bomb-sniffing dogs, a retractable "Skywatch" tower, and the removal of garbage cans - as the Boston bombers had used trash receptacles to stash their pressure-cooker bombs. In lieu of the bins, clear plastic bags will be available for refuse, as well as for runners' personal property - as all bags and backpacks will be banned. New York Road Runners Club, the race's sponsor, has said runners will undergo a security screening inside the park's Ramsey Playfield, and there will only be one toilet along the route at the mile 2 marker.
The effects of the Boston bombings will also be felt on an emotional level. There will be a moment of silence before the start of the race, and participants will be able to pick up and wear "I Run for Boston" bibs and black ribbons.
NYPD's top spokesman, Deputy Commissioner Paul Brown, has said that is response to the Boston Marathon bombings, the NYPD has ordered 100 portable surveillance cameras to be used at future public events.
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