With the 2014 Boston Marathon fast approaching, the immediate focus is on how the city plans to handle security measures. Increased restrictions were expected since last year’s tragedy, and Wednesday night the Boston Athletic Association gave runners and fans some specifics.
The BAA, the Boston Marathon organizer, released new security rules and restrictions, “in a mass email” sent Wednesday, Boston.com reports.
The goal of the security measures, according to police commissioner William Evans, is to limit crowd congestion immediately surrounding the race’s finish line. This will reportedly allow explosives-sniffing dogs as well as on-site officials the space they need to perform their jobs. Newbury Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for the first time to afford the crowds more space.
This year, unlike years past, runners will not be allowed to wear costumes with masks – or anything that covers their face – or bulky clothes. People with backpacks or heavy bags can expect to be searched – not just around the Boylston Street finish line, but at the high-traffic areas of Kenmore Square, Audubon Circle and Cleveland Circle as well.
At the starting line’s Athletes’ Village, backpacks will not be permitted, in addition to glass containers, those containers larger than one liter, vests with pockets, or suitcases and rolling bags.
Backpacks capable of holding water can’t be worn at this year’s Boston Marathon. And sporting event or military equipment props, and flags or signs bigger than 11 inches-by-17 inches in size, won’t be allowed either.
Runners won’t be allowed to bring bags on buses shuttling between Boston Common to Hopkinton. And buses won’t bring any bags back to Boston from Hopkinton.
Runners will be allowed to check bags containing personal items on Boston Common, before being bused to the starting line. Once they complete the race, they’ll be able to pick up their checked items. Fanny packs and fuel belts can be worn by runners.
The BAA said changes will be made around the finish line and three exit points before Arlington Street, but didn’t get into any specifics, Boston.com reports. The BAA will release more information later.
People who aren’t official participants in this year’s marathon will be prohibited from entering the race at any point. “Units or groups such as military ruck-marchers and cyclists” won’t be allowed to participate either.
Commissioner Evans also said spectators shouldn’t expect a suffocating police presence, but that officials will disperse crowds when necessary. The goal, Evans said, is for this to remain a fun, family event.
Image via newsworks.org
