The Los Angeles Marathon has said there is “no intelligence” of any terror threat ahead of Sunday’s event — as a huge security operation prepares to host tens of thousands across the city.
Fears have grown the massive event could be targeted in retribution for the US-Israeli bombing of Iran and assassination of its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last month.
A bombshell Homeland Security assessment a day after his death warned Iran and its proxies “probably” pose a threat of targeted attacks on the US.
But marathon bosses, along with the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department, LAFD and FBI, have worked to heighten security and said they expect the race to go smoothly.
Los Angeles Marathon spokeswoman Meg Treat told The Post: “Safety is our top priority at the Los Angeles Marathon.
“We work side by side with the City of Los Angeles, LAPD, LAFD, and federal partners in a unified command structure to actively monitor conditions and ensure comprehensive security planning.
“There is no intelligence suggesting any disruptions to the race. Our team remains in close coordination with public safety agencies and is committed to providing a safe race day for everyone involved.”
While the LAPD did not confirm whether there would be additional security measures taken in light of the recent Iran airstrikes, there was expected to be a security presence.
City officials recently said the LAPD would bolster security “near places of worship, community spaces and other areas of the city.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office said in a statement: “We are closely monitoring for any threats to Los Angeles’ public safety amid military action in the Middle East.”
A February 28 DHS threat assessment found Iran and its allies “probably” poses a threat of targeted attacks on the US.
The report, produced by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, said a large-scale physical attack was unlikely.
It added in the short term the main concern was that “hacktivists” would conduct low-level cyber attacks against US networks, such as website defacements and distributed denial-of-service attacks.
The report said: “Although a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, Iran and its proxies probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland, and will almost certainly escalate retaliatory actions — or calls to action.”
The DHS also added Iran would likely continue attacks against US targets in the Middle East and would almost certainly blame senior government officials for any protests calling for regime change.
The annual ASICS Los Angeles Marathon will bring gridlock worse than usual as runners race along the city streets this weekend.
Several road closures are expected along the route, which will go across the city from Dodgers Stadium to Brentwood in West Los Angeles.
Marathon attendance will also likely worsen traffic in the area. More than 25,000 people are expected to run the race, and many are expected to spectate along the route.
The marathon is one of the largest in the country.
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