Cops call on students to be alert at marathon
Police ahead of the Boston Marathon are telling college students to be alert and aware of their surroundings and urging spectators to not bring backpacks to the next week’s race.
The Oct. 11 marathon will be the first in-person Boston Marathon since April 2019. Last year’s race was canceled at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and the Boston Athletic Association organized a virtual run.
Then this past April’s race was postponed to next week. It will be the first-ever fall Boston Marathon.
Before this unprecedented race, Boston Police issued a letter to area college and university students.
“Spectators planning on watching the Boston Marathon from anywhere along the 26.2 mile course should expect a significant presence of uniformed and plain clothed police officers and we would like to remind attendees: Be alert and aware of your surroundings,” Superintendent in Chief Gregory Long wrote.
” If you see something, say something. We encourage spectators to call 9-1-1 in an emergency or if they see suspicious activity,” he added.
Police also urged spectators to not bring backpacks to the race.
“In this time of heightened security we appreciate you not bringing backpacks to the marathon,” Long wrote.
“These items are not banned however individuals may be subject to search at designated check-points.”
Students were told to not drink alcohol or smoke marijuana in public.
“Public Intoxication & smoking marijuana will not be tolerated,” Long wrote.
Officials are recommending that people take the MBTA due to the large volume of visitors to the city.
Newbury Street and Huntington Avenue outbound will be closed to vehicular traffic. Vehicular traffic will also be prohibited on many streets in the city on the days leading up to the marathon.
“It is our hope that everyone enjoys this year’s Boston Marathon and celebrate in a safe and respectful manner,”
Long wrote. “The City of Boston takes pride in this event, and we ask that you to play a role in our effort to ensure that we are a shining example of good sportsmanship, pride and most of all resilience.”