Almost a year after two homemade bombs made from pressure cookers exploded near the Boston Marathon finish line, state and marathon officials announced tightened security measures for this year’s race that include a fortified police presence and a ban on baby strollers, reports the Christian Science Monitor. The measures – the result of a seven-month review of how to keep runners and spectators safe at the April 21 race – will double the number of uniformed and plainclothes cops at the event and will add items like backpacks and purses to the list of articles subject to police search. Officials have also put a kibosh on unregistered runners jumping onto the 26.2-mile course to run parts of the race, citing security concerns.
Some 36,000 runners are expected, 9,000 more than last year, and spectators are expected to reach 1 million, double last year, the Associated Press reports. Last year, two bombs concealed in backpacks tore through a crowd of spectators near the finish line. Three people were killed and more than 260 were injured. State officials said 3,500 police officers will be at the marathon this year, double the number patrolling last year. Plus, 100 security cameras will be added along the race course and surrounding areas. Officials have also banned several more items besides the usual suspects of firearms and explosives. They include baby strollers, costumes that obscure the face, and containers that can hold more than one liter of liquid.