Tight security, Boston solidarity at London Marathon
Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY2:11 p.m. EDT April 21, 2013
The London Marathon comes six days after bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
2013-4-21-london-marathon-boston-tribute
LONDON — Less than a week after bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, those taking part at the London Marathon were refusing to let fear cast a shadow over Sunday’s race.
On a chilly, but entirely clear, spring morning in the Blackheath area of the capital city’s south-east corridor, thousands of runners and their supporters observed a 30-second silence in a show of respect to the three people killed and more than 170 injured during last Monday’s traumatic events and the fraught aftermath.
But Sunday, many in the assembled crowd made clear, was not a day to be cowed or to give in. There may not have been the marked sense of jubilation or as much giddy, nervous energy as can sometimes accompany these events, but many runners were determined to make the best of it.
“We have confidence in London,” said Nicola Selwood, who was waiting for the mass start. “We put on the Olympics, so we can do this.” Selwood said that the city, and this race, should not be put off by terrorism.
But standing alongside Selwood was Clare Shepherd. “I just want to get around the course safely,” she said. And Graham Law, another runner, added, “If there’s worry, it’s more for our families who are watching today.”
Damian Crosby, a banker from London who was running Sunday, said his family would be out supporting him “so obviously their security is in the back of my mind.
“But you just need to get on with it. That’s the British way.”
London Marathon runners have raised more than $900 million in memory of a deceased loved one or to support a charity since the event was unveiled in 1981. Sunday, there was another reason to take part: Many ran in honor of those killed or injured in Boston.
London is showing its solidarity with the people of the Commonwealth — the Massachusetts one — in a number of ways.
A Twitter campaign launched by Lucy-Fraser Macnamar, otherwise known as @DayCentreLucy, was encouraging runners to “place your hands over your hearts as you cross the finish line in tribute to #Boston #handsoverhearts.”
Race officials said they did not have any way of tracking how many runners who competed in Boston also took part in the London Marathon.
The organizers of the London Marathon have pledged to donate about $5 for every finisher to The One Fund Boston, set up by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to help those most affected by what occurred in Boston.
But as more than 35,000 runners and half a million spectators descended on the marathon’s 26.2 mile route that snakes through the streets of the capital — from Blackheath in the southeast, to the Mall near St James’ Park, north of the River Thames — Monday’s explosions have caused London to rethink security arrangements.
London’s Metropolitan police said police numbers would be boosted by 40% compared with last year, with several hundred additional officers on the streets providing “visible reassurance to the participants and spectators alike.”
As a further security precaution, trash cans along the marathon’s course were removed.
“I would stress there is no change to the threat level to London and nothing at this stage to link the Boston bombings to the London marathon,” said Chief Supt. Julia Pendry, the Met’s ranking officer in charge of security at Sunday’s race.
“Nevertheless we want to do all we can to help provide a secure environment in which the runners, spectators and volunteers can enjoy themselves,” she said.
A mounted bike officer from London’s Metropolitan police who was guarding thousands of personal items, some of which from a distance resembled bags, said that so far everything was going to plan. The officer, who was not authorized to speak to the news media, did not express concern that the bags that runners had left behind on the lawns at Blackheath posed a security risk.
Londoners know something about terrorism, having lived through the deadly “7/7″ public transit bombings of 2005 and numerous attacks by Northern Irish terrorists, and were glad to show their solidarity with Boston.
“We’ve had this in London, and it’s nice to send the message that life goes on and that we can still do everyday, ordinary things,” said London resident Ken O’Callaghan. “It must be comforting to people in Boston to know that people in London are thinking of them.”
Londoner Cathy Ellis had been “very nervous” turning out to watch Margaret Thatcher’s funeral procession earlier in the week. Then authorities identified two U.S. residents as the Boston suspects, “and that makes me feel less nervous about being here,” she said. “We were relieved it wasn’t an international thing. … It’s their deal.”
Two Americans, on the other hand, said they weren’t nervous at all, though they’d once lived in Boston and were devastated by the bombing.
“You can’t live your life around it,” said Giselle Schuetz of New York City, who was surprised by the relatively small crowds in London and by her ability to walk close to the finish chute.
About an hour before the start of the elite women’s race, Amanda Trail, a government employee running her first marathon said that she was trying to put the events in Boston out of her mind.
“Runners are a tight community,” she said, waiting in line at a local coffee shop on Blackheath’s main street.
Lauren Kibble, who was waiting with her, and who is taking part in her third marathon, said that “in some ways we are more determined to have an even better race” than before.
By 9 a.m., thousands of spectators had already started congregating along the final stretch of the course, just in front of Buckingham Palace. Here in London,spectators are kept well away from the actual finish line on the city’s famous “Mall,” the broad avenue leading from the palace toward Trafalgar Square.
Buoyed by bright sunshine, spectators cheerfully applauded the junior wheelchair racers who were the first to head toward the finish. Helmeted bobbies and young army soldiers were almost as thick on the ground as spectators.
“I think it’s sad that we have to have security like this when its just the marathon,” said spectator Theresa Kalsky of London. “But it’s good. You feel safe.”
Race officials and the majority of runners wore black ribbons on their lapels or hats, but at the finish there was little sign that the Boston tragedy had raised anxieties.
“Anybody nervous?” David Bird of Saunderton, outside London, asked his teenaged daughters. They shook their heads. “Life goes on. … You still have to think there’s good in people.”
On Saturday, Nick Bitel, London Marathon’s chief executive, said: “In terms of our preparations, it’s all gone well, obviously there were some additional security issues following Boston, but that seems to be bedding down and the message of reassurance to runners has been very well received.”
Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the financial hub at Canary Wharf are some of the well-known landmarks that form the backdrop to the marathon’s course, which is known for being relatively flat and fast.
Kenya’s Priscah Jeptoo, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist, won the women’s race in 2 hours, 20 minutes, 15 seconds. Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia finished strong to pass Emmanuel Mutai late to win the men’s title. Kebede finished in 2:06:03.
Contributing: Traci Watson
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2013/04/21/london-marathon/2099815/
After the Boton Marathon Bombings
Security Firms’ Messages Resonate Louder Following Boston Marathon Attack
April 25, 2013
by R.V. Baugus
When a tragic situation unfolds such as the deaths and injuries following the bomb explosions at the Boston Marathon last week, it is only natural for those cities which have upcoming marathons to show extra vigilance in preparing for their events. It is a common spike in attention to detail that, while always present, goes up an extra notch.
Not surprisingly, it is also during these times that security companies offering explosive detection, building guards and other safety measures see an increase in business as they reinforce the message for keeping guests safe. Global Information Inc., which provides market research on the global security industry, said the private security industry was already projected to increase 5 percent annually to an estimated $63.8 billion in 2016, and that the events in Boston could spur even faster growth.
“It is a reality in our country that the interest in protecting infrastructure along with those inside them increases following a tragic event such as the Boston Marathon bombings, then decreases in interest as evidenced by state, local, and federal budget cuts between catastrophic events,” said Mark Camillo, senior vice president – strategic planning for Contemporary Services Corporation.
Camillo said that in the private sector, security is often viewed as a liability since it is difficult to translate preventative and protective measures into successful outcomes. “The truth of the matter is we’ll never know exactly how many acts of criminality, targeted violence and terrorism have been deterred by security operations in action, but common sense will tell you that if you have a heavy response element and a light prevention element, then responding is the likely outcome.
“Venues that have balanced, all-hazards plans that consist of protective measures, emergency response and recovery operations are best prepared for bad things that might happen.”
Steve Zito, a long-time venue manager who now serves as president of sports and entertainment for Andy Frain Services, noted that since the terrorism in Boston there has been an increase in providing facility screening services and additional security officers for some customers, including not only the sports and entertainment division, but also the commercial security, transportation and retail security areas.
Zito added that with the threat of terrorism on the rise more and more venues are seeking companies that are SAFETY Act Certified, which basically eliminates the massive liability that could arise out of a terrorist attack for sellers whose anti-terror products or services have been reviewed and approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
“There is new industry awareness for the mission critical value and overall risk protection for venues and events to only utilize companies that are certified for the provision of their event security services,” Zito said.
The Federal government passed the SAFETY Act a year after 9/11 to “encourage the development and deployment of anti-terrorism services and technologies that will substantially enhance the protection of the nation.
“Our customers know that they have a substantial basis to avoid and/or limit tort liability arising out of a covered act of terrorism involving our security services,” said Zito, whose company received SAFETY Act coverage in 2006 and renewed in 2011.
As with 9/11, the Boston Marathon was another example to warn against complacency when it comes to events and security.
“The number one threat to a resilient security operation is always complacency,” said Camillo. “We owe it to all those in attendance at a public event to provide them with a safe and secure environment that has an exercised contingency plan ready to go should needed.”
http://blog.iavm.org/security-firms-messages-resonate-louder-following-tragedies-such-as-boston-marathon/
Football violence remains a challenge
April 19, 2013, Pan Stadia & Arena Management
There was crowd violence last weekend at a number of football stadiums across Europe. At Wembley stadium during the semi-final of the FA Cup between Millwall and Wigan, Millwall fans were booed by the rest of the crowd as they fought each other. Police entered the spectator area and removed some of the perpetrators. Wembley has in general reduced the need for police at events by developing its stewarding and private security team.
After the Newcastle versus Sunderland game four police officers were injured as trouble broke out in Newcastle town centre. The BBC reported that bottles were thrown and bins set on fire as mounted officers tried to move crowds back to allow visiting fans to be escorted to Metro and rail services. Northumbria Police said 29 arrests were made during the game itself.
In Athens at the weekend AEK Athens players were chased off the pitch by their fans. Players went to the dressing rooms as play was halted. Police and security officials moved in to clear the pitch but after a further 90-minute delay the game was called off.
Meanwhile in the UK, the police’s responsibility to police the area around a stadium has been established through the courts. West Yorkshire Police lost its appeal over policing costs matches at Elland Road stadium, the home of Leeds United Football club.
The force was seeking to reverse a previous court ruling that the club was not responsible for paying for policing streets and car parks near the ground. But the Court of Appeal in London rejected the police’s claim.
The decision means that the force will have to repay about £1m to Leeds United for three years worth of policing fees.
http://www.psam.uk.com/football-violence-challenge
Two soccer fans killed
Two fans shot dead as World Cup stadium is put to test
Mon Apr 15, 2013 1:30am EDT
(Reuters) – Two soccer fans were shot dead on their way to a match at the Arena Castelao World Cup stadium in the northeastern Brazilian city of Fortaleza on Sunday, media reported.
The national Globo network’s website (www.globo.com) cited police sources in their report that the two young men, fans of visiting team Ceara, were shot in the head from a passing vehicle allegedly carrying two Fortaleza supporters.
The Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper (www.folha.uol.com.br) said Ceara fans started a fight by throwing stones at Fortaleza supporters, which sparked the shooting.
They said an unidentified man had been arrested in connection with the incident which occurred about five kilometers from the Arena Castelao and police carried out severe security checks at vantage points close to the stadium.
Ceara beat bitter rivals Fortaleza 1-0 in their Cearense state championship match in the Atlantic coast city, where the stadium had its first test for Confederations Cup.
The Confederations Cup, to be played by eight nations from June 15-30, is a dress rehearsal for the World Cup finals a year later in Brazil.
Folha quoted World Cup local organizing committee official Tiago Paes as saying the incident was not directly related to Sunday’s match, which went smoothly with a crowd of about 15,000.
“There is a lot of training work by the military police, civil police and even the army. We don’t have such concerns for the Confederations Cup,” Paes said.
(Writing by Rex Gowar in Buenos Aires; Editing by John O’Brien)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/15/us-soccer-world-brazil-violence-idUSBRE93E06F20130415?DCMP=NWL-cons_sportslaw
Texas man commits suicide with gun at NRA Sprint Cup race
By Brendan O’Brien | Reuters 4/14/13
(Reuters) – A Texas man used a gun to commit suicide in the infield of a National Rifle Association-sponsored NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth late on Saturday, local authorities said.
Kirk Franklin, 42, of nearby Saginaw died after shooting himself at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday during the NRA 500 Sprint Cup race, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.
Franklin was involved in a verbal altercation with other race spectators before the incident, said Daniel Segura, a Fort Worth Police Department spokesman.
Franklin’s body was found in the back seat of a truck, according to an online police report.
(Reporting by Brendan O’Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Edith Honan and Eric Walsh)
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/texas-man-commits-suicide-gun-nra-sprint-car-003654700–spt.html
Explosion near Boston Marathon finish line
By Jason Sickles, Yahoo! | The Lookout 4/15/2013
Dozens of people have been seriously injured after two reported explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The Boston Globe cited witnesses who reported hearing two large explosions shortly before 3 p.m. ET. The Associated Press reported at least one of the explosions came near the entrance of the Fairmont Copley Hotel.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/live-updates-explosion-near-boston-marathon-finish-line-192213861.html
English football shaken by return of hooliganism
By ROB HARRIS (AP Sports Writer) 4/15/13
LONDON (AP) — A fan punches a police horse as the streets of Newcastle are turned into a battleground. Bloodied supporters brawl inside Wembley Stadium as weeping youngsters watch on. Fighting erupts at train stations as hooligans hurl racist abuse.
English football has been in a time warp this weekend, with a return of the crowd trouble that stained the national game in the 1970s and 80s when its fans were the pariahs of Europe.
Almost 80 fans were arrested as violence spread from stadiums to the streets and transport network, prompting fears that the ”English disease” had resurfaced.
”You never finally defeat football hooliganism,” British sports minister Hugh Robertson told The Associated Press. ”Huge, huge strides have been made since the 1980s. The situation has been transformed but we don’t appear to be able to make it go away forever.
”You’ve got to remain vigilant and remain tough when it occurs.”
Police are acting quickly to prevent the disorder spreading as the season enters its final month.
”It is too soon to say if this is an emerging trend,” said Andy Holt, who oversees policing of football in England at the Association of Chief Police Officers. ”But we will review what happened at the weekend and make any changes if they are necessary.”
Wembley witnessed its most violent scenes since the rebuilt national stadium opened six years ago as Millwall fans turned on each other during Saturday’s FA Cup semifinal loss to Wigan.
Fourteen arrests were made inside the stadium as the disorder was allowed to build throughout the second half in the Millwall end. As trouble spilled out of the stadium into a nearby tube station, another six Millwall fans were arrested for a series of offenses, including affray and racist abuse.
Fans of the second-tier London club, which was renowned for its struggle with hooliganism in the 1970s and 80s, made light of their unruly reputation by chanting: ”No one likes us and we don’t care.”
But the American-owned club has sent out a clear message that it does.
”The reputation of our club, which over the last few years has been steadily and painstakingly rebuilt, has been severely damaged once again,” Millwall chief executive Andy Ambler said after talks with Football Association chiefs on Monday. ”We understand that there are now bridges to be rebuilt, and if there are lessons to be learned from the weekend I’m sure all parties will be keen to take them on board and ensure that those unsavory scenes are not repeated.”
Ambler vowed to help bring the perpetrators of the ”mindless violence” to justice, and Newcastle was also forced to condemn its own fans on Monday.
Newcastle fans responded to a 3-0 loss at home to local rival Sunderland on Sunday by running amok in the city center, with three police officers injured after being attacked during clashes.
In one scene that provoked widespread outrage, a man was also seen swinging at a police horse. Thirty men were arrested, and Newcastle vowed to impose lifetime bans from matches on anyone found guilty.
”We were embarrassed and appalled by the behavior of a minority of so-called fans who last night were involved in disturbances and disorder,” Newcastle said in a statement.
British Transport Police also reported unrest on Sunday with fans traveling to and from the FA Cup semifinal between Manchester City and Chelsea. Seven Chelsea fans were arrested and four City fans were held for offenses including assault and racist abuse.
On Saturday, 11 fans of second-tier club Watford were also arrested as they traveled from a match at Peterborough through London’s King’s Cross rail station
”In recent years, police, football clubs and other partners have made great strides in tackling the (hooligan) problem, and we’ve seen enormous reductions in offenses thanks to a combination of robust policing and the banning of troublesome individuals from attending matches,” said Andrew Trotter, chief constable of the British Transport Police.
”The scenes at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and in Newcastle on Sunday serve as a firm and sobering reminder that there is still much more to be done in tackling football-related disorder.”
The incidents came days after the 2018 World Cup organizing committee said they are looking to England to see how to solve Russia’s own hooliganism annulled.
”What you achieved in England in the past 30 years was a true revolution,” World Cup director Alexander Djordjadze said.
But the ugly reminder over the weekend of England’s hooligan past has reinforced the urgency to make sure the progress in cleaning up the game isn’t lost.
”The events of the weekend … do not represent a return to the dark days of the 70s and 80s,” said Robertson, the government minister with responsibility for football. ”The world saw the very best of British sport last summer (at the London Olympics). The last thing we want is these sorts of incidents.”
Robertson said the early indications are that the incidents were caused by a ”combination of too much drink, warm weather and an enormous amount of stupidity from the fans involved.”
Worse crowd disorder has been witnessed on the continent this season, with three Borussia Moenchengladbach fans stabbed in Rome ahead of a Europa League match against Lazio in February.
A Tottenham supporter was also stabbed in Rome in November, while the London club’s fans were attacked in a Lyon pub for another Europa League game in February.
This weekend saw riot police deploy tear gas in Italy to deal with disorder outside AC Milan’s match against Napoli.
And in Brazil, two Ceara fans were shot in the head after being confronted by supporters of local rival Fortaleza while traveling to a stadium being used at the 2014 World Cup.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/english-football-shaken-return-hooliganism-181142642–sow.html