What Implications Does Boston Have for Marine Corps Marathon Security?

The explosions that killed three and injured more than 100 people at the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon could have implications for DC's Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) in October. For now the MCM team is focused on supporting Boston organizers in any way they can.

"I really can't tell you at this time what we're planning or doing until I get together with our staff," Tami Faram, a spokesperson for MCM, told Patch in a phone interview. Faram is in Boston supporting the communications and marketing team for the Boston race; the security team for MCM is located in Quantico, Va.

"Right now we really just want to concentrate on supporting our friends here in Boston," said Faram.

The Marine Corps Marathon responded to the incident in Boston in a post on the race Facebook page:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Boston community at this time. The Marine Corps Marathon is deeply saddened to hear about the tragic events that took place this afternoon. The marathon community has a shared camaraderie amongst our runners and races. Our hearts go out to all of those impacted."

The Marine Corps Marathon begins on the grounds of the Pentagon and the course moves through Arlington, Va. and Washington.

In 2010, the 35th annual Marine Corps Marathon had heightened security in light of a shooting at Marine Corps-related facilities earlier that year. At the time, Col. Daniel J. Choike said Marines were working with local law enforcement agencies and the FBI to ensure that "additional measures" were taken in what was already a "robust security plan."

Yonathan Melaku was later charged with a shooting at the Pentagon, a Marine Corps recruiting sub-station in Chantilly, a Coast Guard recruiting office in Woodbridge, and twice shooting at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Prince William County.

The Boston Marathon draws some 20,000 runners and an estimated 500,000 spectators. The Marine Corps Marathon brings in 30,000 runners and 100,000 spectators.

As news poured in about the explosions at the Boston finish line, MCM participants were asking organizers how they could help.

One runner posted on the race Facebook page, "MCM, what can you set up for runners to contribute to the families affected by the Boston262 bombing? Set up a charity attached to our training or race completion that helps those that were affected!"

Faram said answers to questions like that would come in the days and weeks that follow, but that they try to take into consideration comments and suggestions from runners.