Chicago Marathon Tightening Security For This Year's Race

By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 30, 2013 3:40PM

HEY!

Bank of America Chicago Marathon organizers are implementing tighter security measures for this year’s race. Both runners and spectators entering Grant Park for the Oct. 13 event will have to pass security and bag screening checkpoints. Runners will only be allowed to use clear, plastic bag issued by officials inside Grant Park and at the gear check tents.

Runners will have to pick up their own Participant Packets—which include their event-issued bib numbers, timing devices, event T-shirts and Participant Bags—at the Health & Fitness Expo Oct. 11 - 12. Previously, runners could let others pick up their packets.

The new security measures are in response to the April Boston Marathon tragedy. Race director Carey Pinkowski said he had little doubt he and his staff could still provide adequate safety for the nearly 45,000 runners participating in this year’s race. Pinkowski said runners have already been informed of the tighter security measures.