Security tightened for this year’s Boston Marathon

After twin bombings at last year’s Boston Marathon killed three people and injured 264, officials have established additional security measures for this spring’s race.

The changes include a law enforcement presence that will be doubled to more than 3,500 officers.

“This year, runners and spectators will see more uniformed police officers on the course and as they approach the course,” Kurt Schwartz, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, told reporters. “And in some areas, the uniformed police officers will be accompanied by bomb-sniffing canines.”

This year’s race will be held April 21.

There will be security checkpoints at some locations along the 26.2-mile route. Spectators will be strongly discouraged from bringing backpacks, coolers and large handbags. A recent memo published by the Boston Athletic Assn. also suggested they carry personal items in clear plastic bags.

“We are confident that the overall experience of runners and spectators will not be impacted, and that all will enjoy a fun, festive and family-oriented day,” Schwartz said.

Federal prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the lone surviving suspect in the 2013 bombing.

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