NYPD prepares for the TCS New York City Marathon
CENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (WABC) -- Preparation is well underway for Sunday's TCS New York City Marathon, and safety is top of mind for the NYPD.
Considering the sheer scale of the marathon, and violent attacks that have happened or been thwarted at similar high-profile events in the past, the NYPD says they are prepared for anything.
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More than 50,000 runners from more than 150 countries are expected to take part in the race Sunday. At least a million spectators are expected to watch along the route.
After the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, police are taking every precaution. Drones will be strictly prohibited during Sunday's race, as the NYPD says they pose a public safety hazard.
"In light of what's going on overseas, the amount of people that are taking part in the marathon, we'll always be alert to make sure we keep it safe in the city," said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.
The NYPD says there are no credible threats against New York City or the marathon, but they remain vigilant as always.
"No credible or specific threats to the marathon or to our city. But having said that, we will still implementing a comprehensive security plan," NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said.
The NYPD will deploy heavy weapons teams from the Counterterrorism Division, special vaporwave detection canines and radiation detection patrols.
Plainclothes officers will also be in the crowds to detect anyone who is acting in an abnormal or threatening manner.
Authorities say there will be hundreds of cameras, mobile cameras and fixed cameras along the route.
Police have been running tabletop exercises in the week leading up to the marathon.
"If something happens, we know what to do, so if there's an active shooter, if a bomb goes off, anything that everyone knows they're role, how to do it quick, be accurate and mitigate the threat to our community," Chell said.
Early Friday morning, crews from the city's Department of Transportation started painting the traditional blue line that marks the 26.2-mile course. Nearly 50 gallons of "marathon blue" paint will be used once it's complete.
The course starts on Staten Island with runners crossing the Verrazano Bridge into Brooklyn, making their way through all five boroughs, before wrapping on the West Side of Central Park.
The opening ceremony was held Friday night.
Discover more coverage of the 2023 TCS NYC Marathon here and tune in Sunday starting at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 7 for coverage of the race.
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