The city of Boston and town of Hopkinton are asking fans and spectators of this year’s Boston Marathon for their cooperation to ensure the safety and security of participants, volunteers and spectators.
Officials say anyone planning to watch the 2014 Boston Marathon from anywhere along the 26.2 mile course should expect a significant presence of uniformed and plain clothed police officers.
Spectators approaching or in viewing areas on the course will be required to pass through security checkpoints, and law enforcement officers or contracted private security personnel may ask to inspect bags and other items being carried. To avoid delays, spectators are encouraged not to carry any of the items listed below.
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Hopkinton officials say spectators in Hopkinton are encouraged to carry personal items in clear plastic bags. Using a clear plastic bag to carry personal items will enhance public safety and speed security screening. In all cases, spectators should keep their personal items under their immediate control at all times. Unattended items may cause delays.
The Hopkinton Police Department encourages the public to actively participate in the “See Something Say Something” campaign. Spectators are asked to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious conduct or items to the closets law enforcement officer by calling 9-1-1.
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Spectators in any viewing areas are discouraged from possessing any of the items listed below because that would result in delays when passing through security checkpoints and enhanced screening. Additionally, these items are not allowed in the viewing areas in any spot along the marathon:
Weapons or items of any kind that may be used as weapons including: firearms, knives, mace, etc.
Backpacks or any similar item carried over the shoulder
Suitcases and rolling bags/rollers
Coolers
Glass containers or cans
Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks or explosives
Any container capable of carrying more than 1 liter of liquid
Handbags or packages or bulky items larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches
Large blankets/comforters, duvets and sleeping bags.
Costumes covering the face or any non-form fitting, bulky outfits extending beyond perimeter of the body
Props (including sporting equipment and military and fire gear
Several viewing areas in Hopkinton and Boston will have heightened security rules, officials say. Spectators entering these areas will be required to pass through security checkpoints and all bags and items being carried will be subject to screening by B.A.A. personnel, contracted security personnel, venue personnel and law enforcement officers. Spectators are strongly encouraged to carry personal items in clear plastic bags and in all cases should keep their personal items under their immediate control at all times. Unattended items may cause delays, officials say.
For more information about security and regulations in place for this year’s marathon, including rules for B.A.A. venues including the Athlete’s Village, runner and spectator shuttle buses, as well as allowable and prohibited items for official participants, view the Policies for 2014 Boston Marathon Spectators.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
