Penn Relays says security will be tightened

Athletes and spectators at next week’s Penn Relays in Philadelphia will see heightened security in response to the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Security has been tight at the famed event since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, with bag searches, magnetic wanding and pat-downs.

Event director Dave Johnson says organizers are planning to increase security even more, but he wouldn’t discuss specifics. The Penn Relays are scheduled for April 25 to 27.

The three-day meet at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field attracts more than 15,000 participants from high schools, colleges and track clubs throughout the U.S. and beyond. It is the country’s oldest and largest track and field competition.