Security has been increased in Seaside Heights ahead of Saturday’s Seaside Semper Five Marine Charity 5K race.

Agencies like the local Seaside Heights Police Department, FBI and Naval Intelligence will be on hand after a pipe bomb went off before the beginning of last year’s race.

"So we are taking it serious because of what happened last year. This will probably be the safest place in New Jersey I can guarantee you that,” says Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd.

The race raises money for the MARSOC Foundation, a charity that provides support to active duty and medically retired Marine raiders and their families.

Donna York is running for her father William Herder a Vietnam veteran and Marine for 21 years. Also on her mind while on the course will be her son Brian, who served in Afghanistan.

"I'm a Marine mom and a daughter of a Marine who just passed away. This is for [my father],” York says.

About 2,000 runners are expected for the race and thousands more may come to watch.

“Fourteen percent of the people are coming from out of state,” says Semper Five organizer Frank Costello. “They’re coming like two and a half hours to drive here for a little race.”

This is the fifth year that the race has been held.

Ahmad Rahimi has been charged with placing a bomb inside a trash can at the start of the race. Because the race started late, no one was hurt. Rahimi is also accused of planting a pressure cooker bomb in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. About 30 people were injured in that blast.

Rahimi is expected to be tried in New York federal court in October.

News 12 New Jersey is a sponsor of the Semper Five race.