Local

Tighter security enforced at Peachtree Road Race

ATLANTA — AJC Peachtree Road Race participants should expect to see more security this year.

Mayor Kasim Reed spoke about the changes at a news conference Tuesday inside the Georgia World Congress Center.

The changes were prompted by the Boston Marathon deadly bombings in April.

"Our thoughts during the race of course will be with those victims of the Boston Marathon, but we will not be cowarded by acts of terrorism in the city of Atlanta. We will go forward July 4," Reed said.

The 6.2-mile course, which winds from Buckhead to Piedmont Park, is expected to draw thousands to the park on the Fourth of July. Officials urge spectators to leave their backpacks at home. Those who don't are subject to a search.

Attendees should also expect a change of tone.

Runners are encouraged to wear blue and yellow, Boston colors, in honor of the bombing victims. Attendees will also recognize the victims with a moment of silence at the start of the race.

A team of Channel 2 Action News reporters will be covering every angle of the AJC Peachtree Road Race on Thursday morning on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4:30 a.m.