O.C. Marathon to Boost Security After Boston Bombings

Twenty thousand runners are expected to participate in next month's Orange County Marathon and Half Marathon in Newport Beach, and organizers said security will be increased in response to the bombings at the Boston Marathon this week, according to local reports.

Scheduled for Sunday, May 5 the Orange County Marathon and Half Marathon is still on despite Monday's explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon that claimed the lives of three people -- including an 8-year-old boy -- and left at least 176 people injured.

But on it's Facebook page, marathon officials said they will keep a close eye on the developments in Boston.

"The safety of our runners, volunteers, spectators, and staff is always our top priority," marathon officials said on Facebook. "We will continue to take every precaution to ensure a safe marathon weekend for all."

Gary Kutscher, the OC Marathon's race director, said many runners have said they are still determined to participate and not be intimidated by the events in Boston.

"This year there will be a stronger focus on preventing this kind of attack," Kutscher told City News Service. "Public safety has always been our top priority, and that won't change this year."

Kutscher said marathon organizers will be meeting this week with all of the law enforcement agencies involved in the marathon including the Newport Beach Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

-City News Service contributed to this report.