Police at this year's Long Island Marathon will be using radiation detectors, bomb-sniffing dogs and other resources aimed at keeping runners and spectators safe.
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano says Sunday's event will be unlike any of the previous 40 marathons on Long Island. He says the security changes are needed in the wake of the bombings at the Boston Marathon.
David Katz, who has been a finish line coordinator for both the Boston and Long Island marathons, said he watched this year's tragedy play out on TV and instantly knew nothing would be the same again.
"It just tore my heart out," he said. "I cried like a baby."
"It changes everything, just like after 9/11."
Mangano says the county is spending at least $250,000 on additional security. There was no word on how much security cost last year.
No spectators are permitted at the starting line near Mitchel Field. And no one can bring any packages to the finish line in Eisenhower Park.
The New York Islanders also have a noon playoff game at the Nassau Coliseum.
Mangano is urging drivers to be patient.
