Vegas Marathon Increases Security After Shooting

This weekend’s Rock n' Rock Vegas Marathon is the first major event to take place on the Strip after the shooting last month, which left 58 dead and more than 500 injured.

• By Jessica Davis
• Nov 10, 2017

Organizers of Sunday’s Rock n’ Roll Vegas Marathon have increased security measures in the wake of the Las Vegas outdoor musical festival shooting last month. This weekend’s marathon is the first major event to take place on the Strip after the incident, which left 58 dead and more than 500 injured.

According to marathon organizer Dan Cruz, there were internal discussions after the shooting about whether the marathon should be canceled, but they “knew this was an event that would help Vegas rebound, help Vegas bounce back.”

Las Vegas Police Captain Andy Walsh, who is leading marathon preparations, said police have prepared preventative measures and responses for multiple scenarios. The number of officers assigned to the marathon has increased to about 350, with a police helicopter, surveillance cameras and police snipers as well. There will be security checkpoints at all entrances at the 5K and the concert Saturday and at the races Sunday, and only clear, race-issued bags will be allowed through bag check.

In the wake of the fatal Oct. 31 vehicle attack in New York City, police have also identified intersections they think could be targeted, though Walsh did not name them. In addition to about 180 police vehicles, there will be trucks and barriers to “harden the intersections and make it impossible for a vehicle to pass through,” Walsh said.

The marathon start line was moved a mile north from in front of the Mandalay Bay hotel to in from of New York-New York. The race’s first 2½ miles will have no music and will instead serve as a tribute to the victims of last month’s shooting. According to Cruz, fewer than 100 registered runners canceled in the wake of the tragedy.

"This year we're on that list of cities that have proven to be vulnerable to somebody who's determined to do something," Walsh said. "We use that in planning and strategy for this event, and it will be part of all future events."