CPD Ramping Up Chicago Marathon Security After Las Vegas Attack

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Police Department is boosting the number of undercover security officers in the 40th Annual Chicago Marathon this Sunday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said at a press conference Thursday. More than 1 million people will be attending the marathon, with many security questions arising after gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire on a huge crowd of people at a Las Vegas concert Sunday. Emanuel said police have been preparing for the Chicago Marathon for the past year.

"CPD will have heavy undercover presence at this #Chicago Marathon. Well over 1,000 additional officers have been added to our deployment," tweeted Anthony Guglielmi, a CPD spokesperson.

The Bank of American Chicago Marathon will draw more than 40,000 runners from more than 100 countries Sunday.

"Chicago's emergency response plan has been recognized as a best practice by federal and international industry officials," the mayor's office said in a statement Thursday.

The marathon's finish line will be in Grant Park, the same location where Lollapalooza was held this past summer. It's been confirmed that reservations were made under Steven Paddock's name at the Blackstone Hotel across from the music festival; however the hotel also said police had not confirmed that the Steven Paddock who made the reservation was the gunman in the Las Vegas shooting. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Carey Pinkowski, the marathon's executive race director, said organizers have been working extensively with Chicago police and the city to ramp up their security plans. A planning exercise was conducted with city officials and marathon organizers Tuesday.

"As we enter the final week of preparations for the 40th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the horrible events that took place in Las Vegas on Sunday are weighing heavily on our hearts," Pinkowski said in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families and all who have been affected by this national tragedy. We also understand how many who plan to participate in Sunday's celebration may have some concerns about public safety in the wake of Sunday's events."

Pinkowski is reminding anyone attending the marathon to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast