Boston Marathon 2014 Update: ‘No Bags’ Security Policy Implemented For April Race, Unregistered Runners Also Strictly Prohibited At This Year’s Event

Boston Marathon 2014 update: A “no bags” policy is being implemented for the upcoming April event by organizers of the Boston Marathon. The move preceded by the tragic 2013 bombing of the event where twin bombs were placed in backpacks, allegedly planted by brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. The bombs exploded near the finish line and killed three people while injuring more than 260 others.

The Boston Athletic Association (BAA), which runs the Boston Marathon, also said that unregistered runners (known as ‘bandits’), who usually jump into the race at various points along the course, will be strictly prohibited.

According to the Daily News, marathon runners typically are allowed to bring bags or backpacks to keep personal items. The bags are rushed between the starting line in Hopkinton and the finish line in Boston.

Participants at this year’s events will not be allowed to bring backpacks or bags and such items will also not be allowed in certain areas near the start of the finish line, or along the 26.2-mile course.

Runners will have the opportunity to check gear on Boston Common on the morning of the marathon to allow them to have a change of clothing at the end of the race. BAA says it will provide clear plastic bags for that purpose.

Twin bombs that exploded at the end of the finish line at last year’s race were placed in backpacks. The explosion killed three people and injured more than 260 people. Prosecutors say that two spectators were responsible.

Daily News noted that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 20, is currently awaiting trial and faces the possibility of death penalty on 30 federal charges, including using a weapon of mass destruction. His brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, died following a gun battle with police several days after the marathon, the New York-based newspaper reported.

State, local and federal law enforcement officials have been meeting for months to create a tight security plan for the April 21 event. The new rules by the athletic association were outlined in an email sent to registered runners.