Tighter Security for Upcoming Marathons in Northeast

Organizers of the Buffalo Marathon in New York State say runners in next month’s event can expect tighter security measures in the wake of the deadly bomb explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Buffalo Marathon Director John Beishline tells local media that his group had already instituted an idea borrowed from their Boston counterparts, who set up an emergency command center near the finish line for distressed runners. After Monday’s two explosions, the center was used to treat people injured in the blasts.

The Buffalo Marathon’s first emergency command center was set up for the first time for last year’s race and will be there again when the 12th annual event is held May 26.

The Buffalo Police Department and other law enforcement agencies will provide security during the race.

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, the explosions at the Boston Marathon have Pittsburgh police and organizers of the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 5 reviewing security for the race.

But officials say security is already pretty tight for the race because of a bomb scare in 2010.

That’s when officials found a microwave oven along the race course that was thought to contain explosives.

That scare overwhelmed local cellphone networks and sent organizers scrambling to control the situation — and has resulted in a much more rigorous security and disaster response plan for the race.

Next month’s race is expected to draw about 28,000 runners and up to 50,000 spectators.