London, Hamburg marathons to proceed after security reviews
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The London and Hamburg, Germany, marathons will take place this weekend after additional security reviews, despite the bombings at the Boston Marathon on Monday, organizers of the events said.
The organizers of the London marathon, which is expected to attract about 36,000 runners on Sunday, said in a statement that the event will go ahead as planned.
“Our security plan is developed jointly with the Metropolitan Police and we were in contact with them as soon as we heard the news,” Nick Bitel, CEO of the London Marathon, said in a statement Tuesday.
“A security plan is in place for the London Marathon. We will be reviewing our security arrangements in partnership with London Marathon,” Met Police Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry said in the statement.
The Hamburg marathon will also take place Sunday, the event's organizers said.
Event organizers, risk managers, underwriters and brokers already are learning lessons from the Boston bombings, said Bob Murphy, Marsh Inc.'s global sports, entertainment and events industry practice leader in New York.
For example, he said, mindful that the explosive devices that killed three people and injured more than 100 may have been secreted in trash cans, organizers of upcoming sporting events likely will remove trash cans close to spectators and competitors.
He also said that changes may be made to the proximity of spectators to event participants, among other possible changes.
And underwriters of coverage for sporting events already have begun discussions on rates, capacity and terms and conditions for upcoming events.
While event organizers typically do not make public details of terrorism insurance or related coverages, most large-scale sporting events would be covered for such eventualities, Mr. Murphy added.
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