Public safety officials continue to prepare for the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, taking place April 26, almost a year after the Boston Marathon bombing that occurred April 15.

Jan Seeley, co-director of the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, said preparations involve a year-long effort and because of that, preparations for last year’s marathon proved to be effective. 

“In general terms, there is a committee much larger than the police department. We meet throughout the year to begin planning for each marathon,” said Lt. Jon Swenson of the Champaign Police Department. 

Swenson stated that every year, authorities make an effort to make changes emphasizing that this event is not any different than any other event. 

“We did some additional things last year that we hadn’t done the first four years,” he said. “Some of those things we’re going to continue to do — some of them have been scaled back a little bit.”

Last year, public safety officials involved in the committee were aware of the special preparations that needed to take place. The University Police Department became involved with federal partners such as the FBI to ensure that the area where the marathon takes place was prepared should anything happen. Personnel were trained and cameras were added to certain locations.

“All the agencies are preparing together, making plans, making sure the roads are safe, that we have officers working that day,” said Lt. Robert Fitzgerald of the Urbana Police Department. 

Fitzgerald stated that public safety officials hold joint meetings to prepare for the Illinois Marathon. Local police departments, Illinois State Police and the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office collaborate for preparations.

University Police Department Deputy Chief Skip Frost said more than 10,000 people ran the full marathon last year. About 3,500 volunteers are required for the event and about 600 of those volunteers aid in securing the marathon route safety. 

“It takes a lot of planning and it takes a lot of overseeing — command and control — during the event,” he said. “It’s probably the most widespread, largest event that we deal with in this area from a safety standpoint.”

Seeley mentioned that volunteers play a major role in the outcome of the preparations for the Illinois Marathon.

“We couldn’t have the race without them. They are a required element,” she said. “It’s really critical for the safety of the event to have all the volunteers but especially the ones that work on the course.”

If the Illinois Marathon fails to draw the volunteers it needs, coordinators and the rest of the committee would have to make adjustments. Volunteers would have to be moved from their assigned areas and more police officers would be required.

“There is a number of volunteers that are responsible for directing traffic and intersections throughout Champaign-Urbana. We place uniformed officers and utilize squad cars to direct traffic,” Swenson said.

Swenson mentioned that a portion of volunteers are responsible for traffic safety in neighborhood-based intersections. Those volunteers have proven to be integral to the safety of runners.

Frost said even though the event draws a big crowd, preparation is year-round, similar to other large events such as football games. The area, however, is still in a heightened state of alert.

“I always joke, with us — we’re always planning for the day we hope never happens,” Frost said. “Always planning, always training — making sure that we have plans in place should something pop up.”

Frost expressed that the University police wants people to understand that everyone can contribute to the success of the marathon.

“It takes all of us. We will work as hard as we can, but we are not going to be everywhere and see everything,” he said. “We need the community to assist us to adjust crime.”

Swenson suggests that if bystanders see anybody engage in suspicious behavior, such as leaving a bookbag behind, they should get in contact with police. 

“Be aware of the people around you and what they’re doing,” he said. “But also rely on us to do the things we need to do too to ensure a safe environment.”

The Illinois Marathon will start near Assembly Hall, go through Urbana and Champaign and finish on the 50-yard line of Memorial Stadium.

In terms of marathon safety, Seeley has one primary suggestion: don’t wear headphones. 

“It tunes you out to what’s (happening) on the course, it tunes you out to other runners, to instructions that might be (given),” she said. “Those headphones make people really oblivious to other surroundings.”

Fitzgerald said Urbana police, will have about 12-13 extra officers coming in, other local police departments will have extra staff prepared as well.

“We’re keeping prepared like we did last year for any contingency that might happen. That’s why we’re having extra officers out,” he said.

Preparation for the Illinois Marathon is a collaborative effort. University Police Chief Jeff Christensen said the Champaign-Urbana area is fortunate to have the cooperative relationship it has now. 

“It’s built on a strong foundation that’s grown through years,” he said. “That’s a huge element in planning for these events and like Skip mentioned, responding to the unexpected.”

Jessica can be reached at [email protected].