Black Lives Matter Holds Peaceful Protest At Twin Cities Marathon

Above Photo: Associated Press

The group initially vowed to disrupt Sunday’s marathon to raise awareness about issues between St. Paul police and people of color.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Members of the St. Paul-based Black Lives Matter group have held a peaceful rally at the Twin Cities Marathon.

The group initially vowed to disrupt Sunday’s marathon to raise awareness about issues between St. Paul police and people of color. But the group backed down after a meeting with the mayor and threats of arrest.

KSTP-TV reports the group marched within 50 yards of barriers near the end of the course but did not disrupt the event. St. Paul police say no one was arrested.

A potential disruption raised fears among runners who had trained for months. The race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Mayor Chris Coleman said the group’s leader, Rashad Turner, assured him protesters wouldn’t interfere with runners and the rally would be peaceful.