Tight Security

NEW YORK (AP) The New York City Marathon on Nov. 4 will feature tighter security for runners in a race that draws more than 2 million spectators. "Obviously, the world has changed for all of us since Sept. 11," Alan Steinfeld, president and CEO of the New York Road Runners, said Wednesday. "This race is going forward. We've been given permission to go forward."

"This event brings together the people of the world," he added. "It will be dedicated to the victims and the heroes who worked to save others."

Steinfeld said he expected an increase from the 2,300 police who usually patrol the 26.2-mile course. "I have no ideas about the numbers," he said. "When you're dealing with security, everything's not in the open."

Runners will be required to present photo identification and wear their bibs to board buses for the start. The list of participants is being screened by the police department and other agencies. Runners also will be issued clear plastic bags for their belongings with no knapsacks or duffel bags permitted.

"At the start (on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge) the harbor will be closed with the Coast Guard patrolling it," Steinfeld said. "There will be additional security at all the water stations along the route, and we are suggesting runners take fluid replacement only from official New York Marathon stations."

Steinfeld said the race adopted the motto "United We Run," a version of the "United We Stand" theme that followed the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A number of marathoners were lost in the attacks and Steinfeld said family members have been granted permission to run on behalf of those victims.

Prayers all around.