CENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (WABC) — The NYPD is taking no chances with its ability to protect runners and spectators at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon.

More than 50,000 runners from around the world will take part in the event and they can expect an increased police presence along the course. You can also see it in the sky as the NYPD will be monitoring the race from above.

“There are so many runners coming over bridges,” said NYPD Chief of Staff Tarik Sheppard. “Our helicopters are capable of bypassing scans and anti-terrorism scans to look for irregularities.”

The NYPD says it will take them less than five minutes by plane to get from the start line in Staten Island to the finish line in Central Park. While on the ground, they monitor video with access to more than 60,000 cameras at the Joint Operations Center.

“We want one of our top managers to be sitting here in case we need to make an important decision from the Joint Operations Center while we're still looking ahead to the marathon,” Sheppard said.

The numerous barriers along the marathon route serve to protect runners and spectators. A team of snipers will be positioned visible and invisible along the entire route.

“It's a watch for all runners, from elite to amateur, to make sure everyone is safe and nothing out of the ordinary happens on the course,” said NYPD Sgt. Juan Swystun.

The NYPD Highway Patrol will also be at the front of the race and will accompany all runners the entire way. Sergeant. James Gatto has accompanied every marathon for the last 30 years.

“It’s gotten a lot bigger,” Gatto said. “If you go back to 1994, I think there were only 26,000 runners, so the number has almost doubled since then.”

The marathon is a tradition with many runners and security officials working behind the scenes to create a world-renowned event.

“These events truly distinguish New York from many other police departments across the country,” Sheppard said. “We are experts at that.”

The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 3rd and attracts more than 50,000 runners. It will be broadcast live in the New York area on WABC-TV Channel 7, beginning with pre-race coverage at 7:00 a.m

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