Bag searches, more police expected at Atlanta race

ATLANTA (AP) -- Authorities say bags, backpacks and purses will be searched near the finish line of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.

Race officials say that at this year's event, more areas will be restricted to volunteers and race workers at the annual race in Atlanta, which is set for the Fourth of July.

Workers will be at the entry points to the start at Lenox Square and at the finish line in midtown Atlanta. They will be searching bags and backpacks before people can get inside a fence that will be set up around the Meadow at Piedmont Park.

Authorities say there will be more local, state and federal law enforcement officers at the race and officials are urging spectators to report anything suspicious.