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London Marathon to Run under Heightened Security | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Competitors cross the start line at the beginning of the London Marathon in Greenwich, southeast London, on April 21, 2013. Runners at the London Marathon will wear black ribbons and observe a 30-second silence to honour the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, under the watchful eyes of increased numbers of police deployed to reassure the public. (REUTERS/Eddie Keogh)


Competitors cross the start line at the beginning of the London Marathon in Greenwich, southeast London, on April 21, 2013. Runners at the London Marathon will wear black ribbons and observe a 30-second silence to honour the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, under the watchful eyes of increased numbers of police deployed to reassure the public. (REUTERS/Eddie Keogh)

Competitors cross the start line at the beginning of the London Marathon in Greenwich, southeast London, on April 21, 2013. Runners at the London Marathon will wear black ribbons and observe a 30-second silence to honour the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, under the watchful eyes of increased numbers of police deployed to reassure the public. (REUTERS/Eddie Keogh)

London, AFP—The London Marathon takes place Sunday amid a heightened police presence following the Boston Marathon bomb attacks, with the 36,000 runners observing a 30-second silence to remember victims.

World-class athletes and fun-runners alike are to stand in silence for 30 seconds at 10:00 am (0900 GMT) before the starter’s flag drops on the elite men’s and mass races.

Scotland Yard police headquarters decided to boost the number of officers by 40%—no numbers have been given—following the Boston attacks on Monday. They hope the reinforced security along the route will reassure the 36,000 runners and tens of thousands of spectators.

Besides the extra officers, police search dogs will also be deployed.

Prince Harry, third in line to the throne, is set to present the medals. His office said they have not been notified of any changes to the plan following the Boston bombings.

Runners have been encouraged to wear black ribbons and organisers have announced that £2 ($3, 2.30 euros) for every finisher will be donated to a fund for victims of the Boston attacks.

With more than 36,000 runners taking part and most expected to finish, they expect to arise around £70,000.

“We want to show our support for our friends and colleagues in Boston at this difficult time for the global running community,” said race director Hugh Brasher.

“We are determined to deliver an amazing event that will focus on one of the core pillars of the London Marathon, which is to have fun and provide some happiness and a sense of achievement in a troubled world.”

US police on Friday captured an ethnic Chechen man suspected of staging the Boston bombings with his brother, after a manhunt that virtually paralysed the city and its suburbs.

Police found Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, hiding in a boat in a suburban backyard, wounded after a gun battle in which his brother was killed.

The bomb attacks left three dead and about 180 injured, many of the victims having lost limbs.

Scotland Yard has been in close contact with the FBI and the Boston Police, but there is no suggestion that the two men posed any threat to London.