FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (AP) -
Spectators attending this year's Boston Marathon with backpacks,
coolers and other large items will have them subject to search.
Officials on Monday
strongly discouraged attendees from bringing such bags and instead urged
them to carry belongings in clear plastic bags like those being given
to runners to stow their gear.
At least 3,500 police
officers will be spread across the eight cities and towns that make up
the marathon route. That's more than double the number from last year.
Authorities have been
meeting for months to come up with a plan to beef up security following
last year's deadly attack. Three people were killed and more than 260
injured after two bombs exploded near the finish
line of the race.
This year's race is scheduled for April 21.
