Boston Marathon Bans Bags, 'Bandits'

The Boston Athletic Association is responding to last year's Marathon tragedy with an almost draconian set of new rules on competitors and spectators, the Boston Globe reports. According to a mass email sent out yesterday, the following are all forbidden this year:

• Bulky clothes, or costumes that conceal a runner's face
• Strollers at the start or finish line
• Backpacks, CamelBaks, and the bags runners often use to carry clothes and personal effects
• Glass containers
• Suitcases and rolling bags
• Vests with pockets, except lightweight running vests
• Props, including sports and military equipment
• Flags or signs wider than 11" or longer than 17"

The race will be also cracking down on "bandits," the thousands of unauthorized runners who always jump into the action. The BAA said that anyone without an official number would be "subject to interdiction." That would include, the Boston Herald notes, the dozens of ROTC cadets who traditionally march in the race. A spokesman said the BAA hasn't decided yet whether to make an exception for the marchers.