BofA Chicago Marathon Beefs Up Security Despite No Known Threat

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be held on Sunday and despite there being no known threat to the race, organizers said that “beefed up security measures will be in place.” Chicago police will “deploy more bomb-sniffing dogs” and “collect and discard any unattended belongings in Grant Park or along the race route.” Runners will not be allowed to bring backpacks or bags on the route, but will be issued a “clear plastic drawstring bag to hold their belongings” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/9).

Meanwhile, Baltimore Running Festival officials said that they are "stepping up security" for this weekend's events. Race organizer Lee Corrigan "expects 27,000 runners in this year's marathon." He said that he "isn't yet sure how much the extra security will cost" (Baltimore SUN, 10/11).