Runners will still hit the pavement this weekend in several D.C.-area races this weekend, less than a week after twin bombings killed three people and injured scores more near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
The George Washington Parkway Classic, which starts in Arlington, and the 18th Kaiser Permanente Pike’s Peek 10K, which starts in Rockville, are among the many races scheduled for Sunday that organizers say will go on as planned.
But runners can expect more security.
“We want to make sure not only our runners, but our spectators, and especially our volunteers are safe,” said Nancy Betress, an organizer for the Pike’s Peek 10K event.
Betress said that having extra security on hand is similar to what event organizers have done in the past.
“We’re producing, as we’ve done for the last 17 years, a safe, fun run,” Betress said.
Many runners are also expected to show support for the Boston Marathon victims by putting their hands over their hearts as they cross the finish line.
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Among the previously scheduled races due to be run this weekend, an impromptu fun run was organized through social media, using the hashtag "DCruns4Boston." That run was due to begin Saturday at noon from the intersection of 7th Street and Maryland Ave SW
