Bloomsday Run in Spokane Will Have Extra Security

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The police chief of Spokane says there will be a heightened police presence during the upcoming Bloomsday run after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday. Chief Frank Straub told an impromptu news conference that he has been briefed on the Boston bombings and expects to receive more information. KXLY-TV says he told reporters his department will take "whatever steps are appropriate" to ensure safety. This year's Bloomsday race is set for May 5. The 12-kilometer (7-mile) race through downtown Spokane typically draws tens of thousands of participants. More than 50,000 people pre-registered for last year's race.

In January 2011, a backpack with explosives was left along the planned route of the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity March in Spokane. It was found and disabled before it could explode. Kevin Harpham was sentenced to 32 years in prison in that case.

Associated Press