Enhanced Security On Tap For This Weekend's Long Island Marathon

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - This year's Long Island Marathon will feature new security measures in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings which left three people dead and hundreds more injured.

There will be multiple checkpoints, bomb-sniffing dogs and radiation detectors in place to keep runners and spectators safe at the event which will be held in East Meadow on Sunday.

No spectators will be allowed at the starting line and bags will be banned at or near the finish line in Eisenhower Park, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.

"You can expect to be challenged," Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said. "If you're going into any of the designated areas there's a security check point before you go in, every bag will be searched."

Mangano said the security changes are needed in the wake of the Boston bombings.

"The tragedy in Boston is enough evidence for us to take this action," Mangano said. "This is the world that we live in, it's very sad that we have to do this."

Athletes agree that the increased security measures are necessary.

"My opinion is the more security the better. You can't say enough to have security and you have to have a presence. So many psychos in the world," an athlete told Xirinachs.

The county is spending at least $250,000 on additional security.

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