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Backpacks, strollers will be allowed along Marathon route, but police would prefer if you didn't bring them

William Evans discusses Marathon preparation

William Evans discusses Marathon preparation at City Hall.

Boston officials today outlined some of their security measures for the April 21 Marathon that include road closings, more cameras and police and more cots and emergency personnel for the larger number of runners expected.

"Our goal is to make it a safe family day," Police Commissioner William Evans said. "I'm very confident we're going to have a great day."

Evans said that, unlike at the post-bombing July 4th concert, people will be allowed to bring large items such as strollers. However, he cautioned anybody with a stroller, backpack or large bag could be subject to search at any of a number of police checkpoints. He urged people to leave such items at home if possible.

Evans said Newbury Street will be shut to traffic and turned into a pedestrian walkway for the duration of the race - and that police will divert people to Newbury if they fell the area along Boylston Street near the finish line is getting too crowded.

5 AM Streets in the vicinity of the Boston Common
6 AM Boylston Street, Hereford Street to Arlington Street
8 AM All streets east of Massachusetts Avenue (as well as Massachusetts Turnpike Exit 22)
8 AM All streets west of Massachusetts Avenue in the Kenmore Square Audubon Circle area
8:30 AM All streets in the Brighton area leading into the route

Public Health Executive Director Barbara Ferrer said her commission will be offering counseling and other resources for people - especially bombing survivors and their families - both before and during the race - through drop-in counseling sessions and through the mayor's health line, 617-534-5050.

Neighborhoods: 
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Plain text icon Specific road closings2.8 KB


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Comments

I assume then that anyone carrying a bag to this morning's photo shoot was searched as well, right?

I mean, you can't be too careful post-4/15, as the commissioner said.

And too bad no reporter brought up that setting up checkpoints where people are searched only serves to create chokepoints of unscreened spectators. Kind of like how if someone were intent on disrupting aviation these days, the long and packed-in airport checkpoint lines would be a much easier target than a plane itself.

Of course the most fundamental question is, would any of these measures have stopped last year's attacks? Surveillance and police coverage were already pretty darned high.

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...get the Police Commissioner a sandwich? That man looks like he's starving.

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The question I have- is he running Boston this year?

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No, unfortunately. He will be out along the Marathon route, sad to think a man who loves running as much as he won't be running, but I can certainly respect his decision to lead his department the way a true leader should.

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He looks alert and composed to me. And since he's a runner, I bet he eats many sandwiches.

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Attachment leads to picture on the top of the article.

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Sorry about that!

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