On October 13, the 2013 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be the first World Marathon Major run on American soil since two explosions killed three people and injured more than 260 people at the Boston Marathon on April 15. In an email sent to all participants of this year’s runners, race organizers announced several updates to the marathon’s policies and procedures. 

Before the race even begins, runners must pick up their own bib packet at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Health and Fitness Expo on Friday Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Saturday Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No other individual will be allowed to pick up the participant’s packet on behalf of others. Any issues can be addressed to race organizers via email. 

Also new to the marathon is a change to the gear checking policy. Only the clear plastic bag issued at the packet pick up will be allowed into Grant Park and the Gear Check area. Backpacks, luggage and other bags not issued at the Health and Fitness Expo will not be accepted.

Participants will be required to pass through a security screening before entering Grant Park on race day. There will be four designated security and bag screening checkpoints located off Michigan Avenue. The only way to enter Grant Park will be through one of those checkpoints.

A bib number will serve as identification before entering Grant Park. It must be attached and visible before getting checked by security personnel. The clear plastic bags will also be checked. If the participant does not have a bag,an express security lane will be available to access Grant Park.

General spectators will not have access to the race start and finish within Grant Park on race day, which has been the case for past years. Aside from participants, event staff with credentials and certain ticketed guests will be permitted access to these areas.

Spectators are encouraged to cheer and support runners all throughout the course. The Runners Reunite Area and post-race party will be held at Grant Park’s Butler Field.

Grant Park will open at 5:30 a.m. on race day to participants. Flotrack will be on-hand to cover the action from Chicago.