TCS NYC Marathon: NYPD increases security along the race track with thousands of runners and spectators participating in the event

CENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (WABC) — The NYPD is taking no chances with their ability to keep runners and the public safe during the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon.

More than 50,000 runners from around the world will take part in the event, and they can expect an increased police presence along the course. They can also expect it in the air, as the NYPD will be watching the race from above.

“There are so many runners coming over bridges,” said Tarik Sheppard, NYPD chief of staff. “Our helicopters can bridge scans, counter-terrorism scans to detect anything abnormal.”

The NYPD says it takes them less than five minutes by plane to get from the starting line in Staten Island to the finish line in Central Park. While on the ground, they will monitor video with access to more than 60,000 cameras in the Joint Operations Center.

“We want one of our top executives here in case we have to make a critical decision from the Joint Operations Center while we’re still looking at the marathon,” Sheppard said.

The numerous barriers along the marathon course will be used to protect runners and spectators. A team of snipers will be stationed along the entire course, both visible and invisible.

“It’s an observation for all runners, whether elite through amateur, to make sure everyone is safe and nothing out of the ordinary happens along the route,” said NYPD Sgt. Juan Swystun.

The NYPD Highway Patrol will also spearhead the race, escorting all runners the entire way. Sergeant James Gatto has supervised every marathon for the past 30 years.

“It’s gotten a lot bigger,” Gatto said. “If you go back to 1994, I think there were only 26,000 runners, so it’s almost doubled since then.”

The marathon is a tradition for many runners and security officers who work behind the scenes on a global event.

“These events are what really sets New York apart from many other police departments across the country,” Sheppard said. “This is what we are experts in.”

The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 3, attracting more than 50,000 runners and will be broadcast live in the New York area on WABC-TV Channel 7, beginning with pre-race coverage at 7:00 AM.

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