Police beef up security for Lansing Marathon on Sunday

Shock waves from Boston bombings prompt changes at Lansing event

LANSING, Mich. – The shock waves from the Boston Marathon bombing can be felt all the way in Lansing.

The Lansing Marathon is this Sunday and 2,000 runners are expected to run, along with 4,000 spectators lining the streets.

It includes a full 26.2-mile marathon and a half marathon. There will be a 5-kilometer race and 1.5 kilometer children's event the previous day.

Cecilia Tombelli's close friend ran in Boston and heard the blast. Tombelli says her friend is fine, but the mother and runner is still shaken.

"I'm a runner, I love to run. But, if I were a marathon runner I would not run in this one. I would hold off for a little while and see what happens" she said.

Police say a beefed up security force will be visible, and undercover officers will be blending in with the crowds.

Still, Boston is on the minds of everyone planning security in Lansing.

Lansing officer Robert Merritt says runners and spectators should know the department has nine K-9 units, and four of them are trained in explosive detection.

"Very tragic, what happened in Boston. Our prayers go out as far as the department for all the individuals and people involved with that, as well as the first responders," said Merritt.

Police and their dogs will be sweeping the marathon route non-stop. Lansing Police say they are also adding patrol help from the Michigan State Police.

"We've got the assistance with our neighboring jurisdiction. We've added the Michigan State Police bomb K-9's, as well as the bomb squad will be involved. So actually the planning is quite extensive," said Merritt.