NYC Marathon a moment for reflection and precaution this year

Since the last New York City marathon took place in November 2011, a hurricane and a bombing have changed the way many runners will view Sunday’s race. For some, it will be an extremely personal run to mark milestones, as the AP reports in a story about participants who are racing after losing their homes to Hurricane Sandy, or running in memory of a loved one killed in the Newton, Conn. shooting. For others, the Boston Marathon bombing will be on their minds, especially for the New York City Police Department. Authorities have been preparing for the race since April 16th, a day after the Boston attack. According to Reuters, 7,400 cameras will be used to survey the race route, with additional police helicopters, vans, and bomb-sniffing dogs set to monitor the scene. Even scuba divers have examined waterways for any potential explosives beneath the five bridges runners will cross. The five boroughs will welcome 48,000 runners as they travel the 26.2 mile course.