Tight security for Boston Marathon

Thousands of runners are preparing to take part inan emotional Boston Marathon amid unprecedented security.In last year’s race two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing three people and wounding more than 260.But the attack has not deterred runners from Monday’s event. More than 36,000 will start – 9,000 more than normal.Half a million spectators are expected to turn out. They will pass through checkpoints and will not beallowed to bring rucksacks – only clear bags.The BBC’s Nick Bryant in Boston says that never before has the marathon been run amid so many layers of security.Protecting the 26.2 mile route has involved a massive mobilisation of law enforcement agencies, including police units, bomb squads and Swat teams from other states.The Boston police department has erected 8,000 steel barricades, 1,200 more than last year.Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick told CBS television on Sunday that the added security measures would assure a “very safe” atmosphere.Runners and their families posed at the finish line on Sunday, determined to take part in the event.Canadian runner Mark Rush told Reuters: “The bad guys aren’t gonna take this race away from usand all the people that get involved in it. It’s good to be back doing it again.”