Flying Pig Marathon organizers to re-evaluate security measures

Update Tuesday from organizers of the Flying Pig Marathon:

A Statement from Iris Simpson-Bush, Executive Director, Flying Pig Marathon

As we continue to learn more about the incidents at the Boston Marathon finish line, I want to share some information with you.

First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to the staff, participants, volunteers, spectators and first responders of the Boston Marathon. Please know that we are closely following the situation with our local police and fire leadership to understand the circumstances of the events and will continue to do so as information is released.

The 2013 Flying Pig Marathon weekend will go on as scheduled but we will take the following precautions to ensure the safety and security of our participants, volunteers and spectators.

• With local police and fire officials, we will conduct a full safety audit of our entire course to ensure our safety precautions and contingency plans are at the highest level according to safety protocol.
• Working with Running USA, the national governing body of U.S. road races, we will reach out to the marathons and road races scheduled over the next three weeks to share best practices in safety and security.
• We will also continue to communicate any changes to the Start and Finish line that may impact your experience but increase security.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact our office via phone at (513) 721-7447 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

My best,

Iris Simpson-Bush
Executive Director
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon

Earlier story:

In the wake of Monday's deadly explosions at the Boston Marathon, organizers of next month's Flying Pig Marathonin Cincinnati are evaluating their own security measures.

Executive Director Iris Simpson-Bush says the team will consider its approach to race security.

"There will be an added layer of precautions," she says. "At this point I can only speculate as to what they might be, but I feel very confident and proud to say that there has always been a great deal of attention to security and safety with all reasonable measures we can take."

Simpson-Bush says the Flying Pig has one of the largest police and security presence of all events in Cincinnati. She adds they will watch events closely as they unfold in Boston to see what lessons can be learned.

When asked what message she might have to those now reconsidering running in the Flying Pig, Simpson-Bush says people should do what they feel is best for them. She also notes that runners are a "hardy bunch" and she doesn't expect they will be detered.