In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, the San Francisco Bay to Breakers has announced stricter security measures for the upcoming 2013 race on May 19. Via the San Francisco Examiner:
At the May 19 event in San Francisco, runners—not spectators—are prohibited from having a backpack, bag, or any other type of container exceeding 8.5” x 11” x 4”. Runners can carry a fanny pack, for example, but not a large book bag.
Any person not wearing a race number will not be allowed at the start or anywhere on the course.
“In light of everything that’s happened, we’re asking people to look at the race differently, with more awareness,” says race director Angela Fang.
This isn’t the first time the storied 12-K has implemented new safety practices. A few years ago, shopping carts, floats, coolers, ice chests and alcohol were prohibited. The race established multiple checkpoints on the course to enforce the rule, and this year, along with confiscating those items, private security guards at the checkpoints will remove any runner with a bag. Efforts to crack down on bandits began in 2011 and will continue at the start and along the course, with officers removing anyone without a bib.
The race estimates that in past years the number of runners on the course has swelled from 30,000 to 60,000 due to unregistered participants.
Additional security measure are also planned, including behind-the-scenes efforts not being disclosed and a greater number of police and private security officers patrolling the start and finish areas and city sidewalks.
Along with uniformed officers, there’ll be plainclothes police running the race, some in costume, says Albie Esparza, public information officer for the San Francisco Police Department, who emphasized that the police chief’s message to all runners and citizens is, If you see something, say something.
If you are planning on participating in the race, please be sure to leave your backpacks at home. And if you prefer to run naked and are registered, you probably won’t be considered a security risk.