Since the bombing attack on the Boston Marathon on April 15, some Bloomsday runners are concerned the popular Spokane event may also be an easy target for similar domestic terrorist attacks.
Spokane’s Bloomsday marathon is one of the largest annual events in the area, and draws in tourists and runners from all over the world.
On Sunday, May 5, participants will take to the 7.46 mile course, and runners and spectators alike will crowd the course by the thousands. Bloomsday officials have taken enhanced security measures in order to insure the safety of runners and spectators alike..
“We aren’t releasing the exact details of our safety plan, but most enhancements won’t affect the fun of Bloomsday,” said Al Odenthal, head of safety and security for Bloomsday. Odenthal is a retired Spokane Police bomb unit commander.
“Don’t leave your bag lying anywhere,” he said. “Bags found unattended will be immediately confiscated by security personnel.”
Within hours of the attack in Boston, Spokane Police Chief Frank Straub held a press conference to reassure Spokane citizens that their safety was top priority in all the major events taking place in the coming weeks and months, including Bloomsday.
“It is my obligation as Chief of Police to ensure an increased police presence at all Spokane events, so that citizens feel safe,” said Straub. “We want to guarantee our citizens safe events.”
Spokane is not a stranger to domestic terrorism threats. In January, 2011, Kevin William Harpham of Colville, WA planted an explosive device within a backpack along the route of the Martin Luther King parade downtown. The device was fortunately discovered by two city workers, and did not detonate.
Harpham later confessed to planting the device and is currently serving a 32-year prison sentence for using a weapon of mass destruction.
“Spokane’s not immune to bombings, so some people might think twice about participating in group gatherings,” said Gerard Hegel, Spokane resident. “But most people will participate in [Spokane] events because we’re not ‘fraidy-cats.’”
On April 18, Bloomsday organizers announced that in addition to safety enhancements, they would also be ordering lilac colored bracelets that are etched with “Bloomsday Stands with Boston” for runners to wear during the race on May 5. 58,000 bracelets have been ordered for the race.
Late registration will be available during normal Check-In hours at the Convention Center—Friday, May 3rd, from 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 a.m.until 6:30 p.m. Race entry is NOT available on Sunday, May 5th.