Security Preps For OKC Memorial Marathon Major Undertaking For Local Law Enforcement

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon weekend has officially arrived. From security to race day preps, the event is a major understanding for thousands of people.

More than 100 uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be located at the start and finish lines and throughout the course.

All 26.2 miles of the marathon course will be watched from the air and on the ground. The streets winding through 25 metro neighborhoods will be closed off.

“We do have to shut the roads down pretty early because it takes a lot of time to clear off the roadway to make it safe for the runners,” Capt. Audrea George with the Oklahoma City Police Department said.

Hours before runners take their mark at the start line, explosive and bomb sniffing canines are deployed to sweep the entire race route. In addition, officers from Oklahoma City and a number of other agencies will be set up along the course. 

“We have officers out there everywhere,” George said. “They may be high, they may be walking, we’re amongst you. We’re pretty much everywhere.”

Capt. George asked citizens to not go around or move barricades or cones. She said those are set up for runners' safety. She encourages participants to use the bag check before an event.

“As we’ve seen in years past, when you’re running you decide you don’t want something and throw it down, lay it down,” George said. “That can present a problem for us as well.”

Keep in mind, if you see something that does not look right immediately report it to authorities.

Click here for more stories and information about this year’s Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.