CINCINNATI – Police protecting the Flying Pig Marathon say they’ll be on alert after a security advisory about truck attacks this week.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) identified truck attacks like the one in Nice, France, as the type of threat easiest to carry out by a lone wolf looking to do harm.
Police set to protect 40,000 runners, 7,000 volunteers and 150,000 spectators say they’re prepared, and runners say they feel safe.
“We've got a lot of people, a lot of assistance from others like the FBI, and we have our SWAT team deployed and then the standard uniformed officers that will be helping everybody get through," Cincinnati police Sgt. Greg Lewton said.
Lewon said police “deploy all kinds of methods” to thwart the possibility of a truck attack.
"Anything we can use that's large and can take a heavy impact, we use it,” Lewton said. “We use a lot of things that the event might be supplying, but yeah, we prepare for all of that sort of thing."
That's reassuring to runners.
"I've run the race before. It's very well organized. I do feel like it's a very secure race,” said Catherine Abrams, who plans to run the full marathon.
"I thought about it for a little bit,” said Jessy Pardue, a half-marathoner, “but then I really have confidence in the police department here that everything will go smooth and they'll take the precautions that they need."
Flying Pig spokeswoman Jackie Reau reminds everyone that backpacks won't be allowed, so bring belongings in clear bags. She said free bags are available at the Flying Pig Expo.
