Security for Las Vegas marathon tightens; runners pay tribute to Paris attack victims
Runners cross the half marathon finish line in the Las Vegas Rock ‘n‘ Roll Marathon and half marathon on the Strip on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
The lights of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas are dimmed after Friday‘s terror attacks in Paris. (Ricardo Torres/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Security is tighter as about 45,000 people participate in the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon this weekend, but the extra security is being taken as a lesson from the terrorist explosions at the Boston Marathon.
No new steps are being taken as reaction to the Paris massacre, a marathon spokesman said Saturday.
"We've been in constant contact with local, state and federal authorities following yesterday's attacks," Dan Cruz said about Friday's terrorist attacks in France. "We were instantly on the phone."
The Las Vegas marathon's increased security came after the April 2013 twin explosions at the iconic Boston Marathon finish line that killed three people and injured hundreds more.
"We've upped everything since Boston," he said.
That includes increased law enforcement presence and surveillance personnel. They've also instilled a "see something, say something" culture among participants through social media, he said.
About 60 runners registered for the races are from France, he said.
The Las Vegas two-day marathon began with a race Saturday night and will conclude with three races today.
Runners of Saturday's 5K held a moment of silence to honor those killed in the Paris attacks, Cruz said. The remembrance will be repeated before Sunday's main race.
Also, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas dimmed its lights for a second consecutive night Saturday.
Contact Kimberly De La Cruz at kdelacruz@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter: @KimberlyinLV. Contact Ricardo Torres at rtorres@reviewjournal.com and 702-383-0381. Find him on Twitter: @rickytwrites.
