Columbus Marathon Tightens Security

Only official gear-check bags will be accepted.

According to a press release on the Columbus Marathon’s website, organizers have decided to significantly tighten security measures as compared to last year’s event.

Given the recent Boston Marathon bombing, these new measures aren’t particularly surprising.

Specifically, runners are only allowed to store their gear in clear plastic bags that are provided at the health expo when runners pick up their bibs.

Also, runners aren’t allowed to have their families join them anywhere on the course.

“Only athletes are permitted on the race course, including crossing the Finish Line,” organizers write. “This is for the safety of all athletes, spectators, race and safety officials and volunteers. Any participant who is joined by a non-participant (including a child-in-arms) on any portion of the course, including crossing the Finish Line, risks disqualification and a ban from future events.”

In addition, this year’s event has color coded emergency signs that will be along the course. The signs range from green (low) to black (extreme).

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