Officials: OKC Memorial Marathon Will Still Go On With Increased Security

Officials said during the news conference on Monday that the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon will still go on. However, Oklahoma City police say they will increase their presence during the race.

Monday, April 15th 2013, 5:56 pm

By: News 9


Oklahoma City officials hosted a news conference to answer questions concerning the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, after two explosions were reported at the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon.

4/15/2013 Related Story: Police Confirm Two People Killed At Boston Marathon

Boston Police have confirmed two people were killed when two explosions rocked the area near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, the world-famous 26.2 mile trek that draws thousands of runners and spectators to the city.

The terrifying scene in Boston comes less than two weeks out from our very own marathon at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, April, 28. Officials said during the news conference on Monday that the race will still go on. However, Oklahoma City police say they will increase their presence during the race.

Click on the video above to watch the complete news conference.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says there have been no threats or heightened security in the aftermath of a bombing at the Boston Marathon, but that senses are heightened.

Trooper Betsy Randolph says the Boston bombing focuses attention on the scheduled April 28 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Randolph says authorities have always focused on security measures around the April 19 anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and during the marathon.

Oklahoma City Police Capt. Dexter Nelson says police have always increased security for the race and adds both on-duty and off-duty officers for the race.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett says there are currently no plans to call off this year's Oklahoma City marathon, but said events will be monitored daily.

"We'll look at what changes, if any, we need to make. And we'll look at why people come here to run this race in the first place. They come to remember and to run to celebrate life," said Kari Watkins with the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Race organizers say they have always had a comprehensive security plan in place. But they will not hesitate to cancel the race if needed.

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