Police Presence Increased At Tulsa Runs In Wake Of Boston Bombing

The Color Run is expected to draw 20,000 people. Tulsa Police say they plan to make their presence known by adding more officers and bringing out their bomb dogs.

Tuesday, April 16th 2013, 6:04 pm

By: News On 6

Police Presence Increased At Tulsa Runs In Wake Of Boston Bombing

River Parks will see a big race on Saturday. The Color Run is expected to draw 20,000 people.

Tulsa Police say they plan to make their presence known by adding more officers and bringing out their bomb dogs.

After hearing about the Boston Marathon bombing, some Oklahoma runners, like Jennifer Bryant, say Tulsa's second annual Color Run has a whole new meaning.

"What happened yesterday is a complete tragedy, and we need to remember that when we're running and we need to understand that we can't live in fear and we have to move forward," Bryant said.

Tulsa Police are encouraging all runners to do the same.

"There's two things you can do: You can crawl in a hole and cover up your head or you can do what Americans do and carry on with your life and do what you're free to do," said Sgt. Les Young, TPD Special Events Coordinator.

Like with any other race, police block the roads and provide security, but this weekend things will be a little different. Before the race kicks off, police bomb dogs will sweep the area, and will be around until the race is finished.

"We don't want to run and hide from yesterday's events, but also we want them to know it heightens our awareness and we want to be a little more diligent," Young said.

Young said the department has a plan and all officers know exactly what they're supposed to do if a tragedy strikes.

"Don't be embarrassed or don't hesitate to go to an officer," Young said. "We'll be dressed in our reflective vest, highly visible."

Bryant said knowing there is extra security helps put her mind at peace.

"I think we need to understand that anything can happen, but we need to have the utmost confidence in our state and our city, that they will protect us," Bryant said.

TPD said it will also enhance security at the Heart and Stroke Walk downtown, and the Turn Tulsa Pink Run at ORU.

A spokesperson with the Remember the Ten Run in Stillwater said they do not feel the need to add any extra security.