16 April, 2014
Spectators in Hopkinton: Several viewing areas in Hopkinton will have heightened security rules.
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 private security
personnel, venue personnel, and law enforcement officers. Spectators are strongly 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.
Spectators entering, and in, these viewing areas may not possess any of the following items:
• 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, sleeping bags.
• Costumes covering the face or any non-form fitting, bulky outfits extending beyond the
perimeter of the body.
• Props (including sporting equipment and military and fire gear). 4
Rules for Unauthorized Participants on Race Day
For the safety of official participants and spectators, the B.A.A. strictly prohibits unofficial participation in
the Boston Marathon, and those in violation are subject to interdiction. Those who are not officially
registered in the Boston Marathon will not be allowed to participate. Official participants are asked to
discourage family and friends who are not officially registered participants from entering the course in any
manner.
Many people want to participate in some way in this year’s Boston Marathon as a display of support, but
those who are not official participants are asked to refrain from entering the course for the safety of the
runners and themselves. There are several other opportunities which enable a show of support for the
Boston Marathon, including the B.A.A. 5K on April 19, the Boston Marathon World Run, attending the
John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo, volunteering, or spectating.
Anyone on the course for any distance who has not been assigned, or is not displaying, an officially
issued bib number from the B.A.A. is subject to interdiction. The B.A.A. reserves the right to remove any
person from the course who is not displaying an official bib that has been assigned by the B.A.A.
Similarly, units or groups such as military ruck-marchers and cyclists, which have sometimes joined on
course, will not be allowed to participate.
