BOSTON (Sputnik) — Wilkersen explained he feels safe in Boston, especially given the heavy presence of law enforcement, and he arranged for his disabled daughter to be pushed in the race along runners.
Boston Police were out in force, inspecting peoples' bags, patrolling the areas with dogs were spectators are standing, and blocking off major thoroughfares to stop any unwanted persons from sneaking into the Marathon area.
However, Wilkerson said the bombing during the 2013 Boston Marathon that killed three and wounded more than 260 people have added a different “flavor” to this year’s Marathon and will similarly influence future marathons.
Wilkerson argued it is important for the authorities to watch more closely suspicious groups of people, including those based on religious affiliation, and added he is fully in support of profiling as a necessary measure to prevent future attacks.
"The biggest mistake you can make is think you can prevent bombings and attacks," Wells said. "If someone wants to do something, they will always find a way."
Wells, however, said that the 2013 bombing did not shook people into fear to change their lifestyles or feelings about what matters to them the most.
"Boston people won't let the bombing change what matters to them or the way they live," Wells said. "They may have just changed in how they react to these situations."
More than 27,000 runners participated in the Marathon as its popularity increased despite the rigorous qualifying standards that followed the bombing two years ago.
