KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Organizers for the Kansas City Marathon tell me they're expecting more runners this year, which is why police are adding more resources.
The traffic unit alone will have nearly 200 officers working to keep the race safe.
The countdown is on for the 32nd running of the Kansas City marathon, on Thursday folks picked up their registration packets at Union Station.
Malachi O'Brien is among the more than 9,000 runners participating this year. Security is at the forefront of his mind.
“You can never wonder too much in large events with lots of people you always kind of wonder what can go on?” O’Brien said.
Come Saturday morning the Kansas City, Missouri police department will be on the frontline protecting runners and spectators alike.
“Some of the things we're going to be putting in place are going to be immediately apparent,” KCPD Sgt. Grant Ruark said Thursday.
This year, police plan to use public works trucks as barricades along the route including at the start and finish lines.
“We're not going to allow any traffic in except one specific point and it will be the only point that people will be able to get in and out of,” Sgt. Ruark said.
This security measure is already used at major events in cities like New York following overseas attacks where terrorists used vehicles as weapons.
“I think it's great any preventative measures they can take is good I've never been worried this is my second year doing it and I feel pretty safe overall,” Lori Wilson, a runner said.
This year there is a change to the route. Organizers emphasize that's not related to security.
They simply wanted to enhance the experience for runners.
Race Details:
The marathon begins at 7:05 a.m. at 22nd Street and Grand Avenue. It ends on Main Street near Union Station.
Organizers expect about 2,000 runners to participate in the marathon. Another 7,000 runners will take part in the half-marathon, 10K and 5K the same morning.
The marathon website indicates police will allow traffic the pass through parts of the route during gaps between runners, but expect delays Saturday morning.
There are orange signs around town marking the marathon route. For a map of all the routes, click here.
