Boston Marathon bans bags at entire event

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has banned bags and backpacks at the 2014 Boston Marathon and all its related events.

On Wednesday, the B.A.A. announced that no where along the course, at the start line, finish line, expo or anywhere else related to the Boston Marathon course will bags or backpacks be permitted. Bags will also not be allowed on shuttle buses from Boston to Hopkinton, the town where the race starts.

Athletes who wish to leave clothing at the finish can do so by checking it in a clear bag provided by to them when they pick up their bib number from the race expo. They can leave a change of clothes in the clear bag and check it in Boston Commons at the finish line, but they are not allowed to bring it with them on the shuttle. If you wish to wear extra layers of clothing on the shuttle buses you must leave discard them at the start line. Discarded clothing will be donated to a local charity.

In addition, you must now pick your race bib up in person at the expo the weekend before the race. In previous years friends or family could do this for you. Bib numbers can be picked up the Friday, Saturday or Sunday before the Monday race.

The changes come after two homemade bombs were detonated at the finish of the marathon last year. The bombs were placed at the finish in backpacks. Organizers are cracking down on security measures this year to prevent future attacks.