Boston Explosions Could Affect Marine Corps Marathon Security

The explosions that killed three and injured more than 100 people at the Boston Marathon on Monday could have security implications for the Marine Corps Marathon in October.

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

In 2010, the event 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.

"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 race there; the security team for MCM is located in Quantico.

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

The Marine Corps Marathon also responded to the incident in Boston in a post on its 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 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.