2014 Boston Marathon Guide for Runners and Spectators

Answers to frequently asked questions, for both runners and spectators
By editors of Runner's World
Image by Robert Reese

In the wake of the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon and due to the increased field size, a number of new security measures are being introduced for the marathon this year. Those changes impact both runners and spectators of the race. Below, we will answer questions about what you can and cannot do at the 2014 Boston Marathon. For an updated list and more, check in with the Runner's World Full Coverage of the Boston Marathon.

WHAT RUNNERS NEED TO KNOW
Can I bring a bag to the start?
No. The Boston Athletic Association announced in an email to runners that no bags "will be allowed on buses from Boston to Hopkinton, and bags will not be transported from Hopkinton back to Boston. Bags will not be allowed in certain areas at or near the start in Hopkinton, at or near the finish in Boston, or along the course."

Can I bring extra clothes and shoes to the start?
Clothes, yes. Runners can wear extra clothing for the trip to and time at the start in Hopkinton. Discarded clothes will be gathered and donated to charity.

Runners will also be allowed to bring extra shoes to the start, as long as they are not in a bag.

PLUS: How To Run Boston Strong This Year

Will I be able to check a gear bag to be available at the finish line?
Yes. Runners will be given a clear plastic bag when they pick up their bib, which they can check on Boston Common on the morning of the race. The B.A.A. email said, "Only this B.A.A.-provided, clear, plastic bag can be used for this purpose. No other bags will be accepted." The gear check area on Boston Common is approximately one half mile from the exit of the finish area at Arlington Street, according to the email.

Can I wear my Camelbak or similar hydration device?
No. Runners will not be allowed wear any personal hydration system products, such as a Camelbak.

Can I wear a fuel belt during the marathon?
Yes, as long as it is "standard manufactured" and the bottles are one liter or smaller.

RELATED: How to Carbo-Load for Marathon Week

Can I wear a fanny pack?
Yes, as long as it is no larger than 5 inches x 15 inches x 5 inches.

Can I wear a costume during the race?
Not if it covers your face or is a "non-form fitting, bulky outfit extending beyond the perimeter of the body."

Will there be food available at Athletes Village in Hopkinton?
Yes. The B.A.A. stated in its email "food, beverages and portable tiolets will be available at the Athlete's Village before the start of the race."

MORE: Mile-by-Mile Course Tips for Boston Runners

Can I run as a bandit?
Running as a bandit is always discouraged and at this year it is strictly prohibited.

Will a friend or family member be able to pick up my bib for me?
No. The B.A.A. is requiring all participants claim their own bib number at the expo.

Can I wear headphones during the race?
Headphones are allowed, but discouraged.

What will the weather be like?
So that you can obsessively check conditions for April 21, here's the forecast, updated daily.

WHAT SPECTATORS NEED TO KNOW

Can I go on the course to run with a loved one?
No. Unofficial participants will not be allowed on the course.

Will I be able to join my loved one at the start/finish line?
The athletes' village at the starting line in Hopkinton will be a secure area for runners and credentialed persons. If a runner wants to come out of the athletes' village in advance of the race they can meet family and friends, but no non-runners will be allowed inside the village. In Boston, the finish line area doesn't look that different this year. The family meeting location is in the same area as years past and runners who chose to check a bag can pick it up on Boston Common.

Will there be military personnel walking the race this year?
Not unless they are officially registered for the race. The B.A.A. email to runners stated, "units or groups such as military ruck-marchers and cyclists, which have sometimes joined on course, will not be allowed to participate." A B.A.A. spokesperson said 130 National Guard members will be marching the course, as registered participants.

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Where can I park without getting ticketed or towed?
"No parking zones" are being pushed farther back from the course in some communities along the route. In particular, the carriage road along Commonwealth Avenue in Newton (along Heartbreak Hill) will be a no parking zone.

With Newbury Street closed, where should we go to get lunch or a drink after the race?
Newbury Street will still be open to pedestrians but closed to vehicular traffic. This is being done to ease congestion coming off of Boylston Street. Restaurants and shops will remain open.

Can I take the commuter rail out to watch along the course?
Moving about the course should be similar as to past years. The commuter rail will be operating on its normal Marathon Monday schedule.

Will I be able to sit in the grand stand at the finish line?
Only if you have an invitation from the B.A.A.

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