Chicago Marathon Organisers Tighten Security Following Boston Bombings

Chicago Marathon organisers have announced security will be tightened for the October 13th event in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.

On April 15 the Boston Marathon suffered a number of casualties as pressure cooker bombs exploded near the finish line, killing three people and injuring more than 260.

“The bag check is something we’ve been looking at for a couple of years,” said Carey Pinkowski, the event director. “Is it something that’s in response to Boston? I would think partly … but it’s something that had been on our radar for a long time.”

A majority of the extra changes will affect the starting line, picking up of packets and gear check. Runners will be limited to only four secured entrances, which will include bag-screening and runners will need to have bibs visible.

All participants must pick up race-packets and timing chips and gear must be placed into a clear plastic bad supplied by the race.