Brussels attacks add urgency to Boston Marathon security

Belgium Attacks Boston Marathon

In this April 19, 2014 file photo, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans leaves the course after running in the 5-kilometer race in Boston in advance of Monday’s 118th Boston Marathon. Evans, an avid runner, said Wednesday, March 23, 2016, he has no information suggesting the April 18 Boston Marathon might be targeted anew, but told The Associated Press in an interview that as a precaution he’s canceling his own plan to run in the race. AP FILE PHOTO

BOSTON — Boston’s top law enforcement official says the attacks in Belgium have added a sense of urgency to securing next month’s Boston Marathon.

Police Commissioner William Evans told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday that he has no information suggesting a specific threat against the marathon, which was targeted in 2013.

Two bombs planted near the finish line killed three spectators and wounded more than 260 others on April 15, 2013.

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Evans, an avid runner, said he’s canceled his plans to run the 2016 edition of the race on April 18 so he can tend to security duties. He said he had planned to make it his 50th marathon and 19th Boston, but Tuesday’s attacks in Brussels prompted him to reconsider.

He said marathon security will be his main priority.

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