Full Notification

Spectators intending on watching the Boston Marathon from anywhere along the 26.2 mile course should expect a significant presence of uniformed and plain clothed police officers. Spectators approaching viewing areas on the course, or in viewing areas along the course, may be asked to pass through security checkpoints, and law enforcement officers or private security personnel may ask to inspect bags and other items being carried. To avoid delays, spectators are encouraged not to carry any of the items listed below. Additionally, spectators along the entire race route – including in Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston -- are encouraged to carry personal items in clear plastic bags. Using a clear plastic bag to carry personal items will enhance public safety and speed security screening. In all cases, spectators should keep their personal items under their immediate control at all times. Unattended items may cause delays. The B.A.A. and all public safety agencies supporting the Boston Marathon encourage the public to actively participate in the See Something Say Something campaign. Spectators are asked to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious conduct or items to the closest law enforcement officer or by calling 9-1-1.

Spectators along the course are discouraged from possessing any of the items listed below. Possession of any of these items may result in delays when passing through security checkpoints and enhanced screening.

* Weapons or items of any kind that may be used as weapons, including firearms, knives, mace, etc.

* Backpacks or any similar item carried over the shoulder.

* Suitcases and rolling bags/rollers.

* Coolers.

* Glass containers or cans.

* Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks or explosives.

* Any container capable of carrying more than 1 liter of liquid.

* Handbags or packages or bulky items larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches.

* Large blankets/comforters, duvets, sleeping bags.

* Costumes covering the face or any non-form fitting, bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body.

* Props (including sporting equipment and military and fire gear).

NO DRONE ZONE

In addition, public safety officials are asking the public to assist in creating a No-Drone Zone along the entire course of this year's Boston Marathon. The use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) anywhere in the area of the course, including above runners and spectators, is strongly discouraged.

MASSACHUSETTS ALERTS

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the B.A.A. are partnering to ensure that runners and spectators receive important public safety and emergency information in a timely manner. Massachusetts Alerts is a communication tool used by MEMA to disseminate critical information to smartphones.

Massachusetts Alerts is powered by a free downloadable application that is available for Android and iPhones. During the Boston Marathon, MEMA will use Massachusetts Alerts to share important public safety information, including severe weather and emergency information, with runners and spectators. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app (called Massachusetts Alerts) onto your Android or iPhone, go to: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp

RULES FOR B.A.A. VENUES

The B.A.A. has several official venues, including the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo in Boston, the invitation-only grand stand seating at the Finish Line, the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, B.A.A. buses/vehicles (from Boston Common to Hopkinton, and shuttle buses within Hopkinton), and several secure spectator viewing areas around the start line in Hopkinton.

1. Expo in Boston: All persons entering the Expo are subject to security screening, and all bags may be inspected by contracted private security personnel, venue personnel, and law enforcement officers.

2. Invitation-Only Grand Stand Seating in Boston: Admittance to the grand stand seating area at the finish line in Boston requires an invitation from the B.A.A. All persons entering the grand stand seating area are subject to security screening, and all bags may be inspected by contracted private security personnel, venue personnel, and law enforcement officers.

3. Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton: The Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton is reserved for official entrants in the Boston Marathon. All persons entering, and in, the Athletes’ Village must visibly display an official bib that has been assigned by the B.A.A. Family members and friends of official participants may not enter the Athletes’ Village. The rules for Allowable and Prohibited Items for Official Participants on Race Day apply to all persons in the Athletes’ Village. All persons entering the Athletes’ Village are subject to security screening by B.A.A. personnel, contracted private security personnel, venue personnel, and law enforcement officers.

4. B.A.A. Shuttle Buses from Boston Common to Hopkinton: B.A.A. buses from Boston Common to Hopkinton are reserved for official entrants in the Boston Marathon. All persons boarding, and on, B.A.A. buses must visibly display an official bib that has been assigned by the B.A.A. Family members and friends of official entrants may not board or be on the B.A.A. buses. The rules for Allowable and Prohibited Items for Official Participants on Race Day apply to all persons on B.A.A. buses. All persons boarding or on B.A.A. buses are subject to security screening by B.A.A. personnel, contracted private security personnel, venue personnel, and law enforcement officers.

5. B.A.A. Shuttle Buses in Hopkinton: The B.A.A. will operate runner and spectator Shuttle Buses in Hopkinton.

6. B.A.A. Runner Shuttle Buses (Hopkinton Only): The B.A.A. will operate runner shuttle buses from South Street in Hopkinton to the Athletes’ Village. Runner shuttle buses are reserved for official entrants in the Boston Marathon. All persons boarding, and on, B.A.A. runner shuttle buses must visibly display an official bib that has been assigned by the B.A.A. Family members and friends of official entrants may not board, or be on, B.A.A. runner shuttle buses. The rules for Allowable and Prohibited Items for Official Participants on Race Day apply to all persons on B.A.A. runner shuttle buses. All persons boarding, or on, B.A.A. runner shuttle buses are subject to security screening by B.A.A. personnel, contracted private security personnel, venue personnel, and law enforcement officers.

7. B.A.A. Shuttle Buses (Hopkinton Only): The B.A.A. also will operate shuttle buses to downtown Hopkinton from Hopkinton State Park and the MBTA commuter rail station. Spectators and runners may utilize these shuttle buses. Spectators and runners boarding, or on, these B.A.A. buses are prohibited from carrying:

* Weapons or items of any kind that may be used as weapons, including firearms, knives, mace, etc.

* Backpacks or any similar item carried over the shoulder.

* Suitcases and rolling bags/rollers.

* Coolers.

* Glass containers or cans.

* Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks or explosives.

* Any container capable of carrying more than 1 liter of liquid.

* Handbags or packages larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches.

* Large blankets/comforters, duvets, sleeping bags. Any type of mask or costume that covers the face.

* Costumes covering the face or any non-form fitting, bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body.

* Props (including sporting equipment and military and fire gear).

Spectators boarding, or on, B.A.A. Shuttle Buses may carry a clear plastic bag containing personal items. Using a clear plastic bag will enhance public safety and expedite the security screening process. All persons boarding, or on, B.A.A. shuttle buses are subject to security screening by B.A.A. personnel, contracted private security personnel, venue personnel, and law enforcement officers. In all cases, runners and spectators should keep their personal items under their immediate control at all times. Unattended items may cause delays.

SPECTATORS IN HOPKINTON (START AREA)

Several viewing areas in Hopkinton will have heightened security rules. Spectators entering these areas will be required to pass through security checkpoints and all bags and items being carried will be subject to screening by B.A.A. personnel, contracted private security personnel, venue personnel, and law enforcement officers. Spectators are strongly encouraged to carry personal items in clear plastic bags. Using a clear plastic bag to carry personal items will enhance public safety and speed security screening. In all cases, spectators should keep their personal items under their immediate control at all times. Unattended items may cause delays. Spectators entering, and in, these viewing areas may not possess any of the following items:

* Weapons or items of any kind that may be used as weapons, including firearms, knives, mace, etc.

* Backpacks or any similar item carried over the shoulder.

* Suitcases and rolling bags/rollers.

* Coolers.

* Glass containers or cans.

* Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks or explosives.

* Any container capable of carrying more than 1 liter of liquid.

* Handbags or packages or bulky items larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches.

* Large blankets/comforters, duvets, sleeping bags.

* Costumes covering the face or any non-form fitting, bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body.

* Props (including sporting equipment and military and fire gear).

THE COURSE

* The historic course starts on Main Street in the rural New England town of Hopkinton and follows Route 135 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley to where Route 135 joins Route 16

* It continues along Route 16 through Newton Lower Falls, turning right at the fire station onto Commonwealth Avenue, which is Route 30

* It follows Commonwealth through the Newton Hills, bearing right at the reservoir onto Chestnut Hill Avenue to Cleveland Circle

* The route then turns left onto Beacon Street continuing through Kenmore Square, and under Massachusetts Avenue

* The course turns right onto Hereford Street (NOTE: against normal traffic flow) then left onto Boylston Street, finishing near the John Hancock Tower in Copley Square. * To learn more about the course, and to view a map, click here

AT&T ATHLETE ALERT

* Official runners of the Boston Marathon can register to send friends and family automatic updates on their progress along the course using the AT&T Athlete Alert Program

* Messages will be automatically delivered to any device capable of receiving short messages, such as a digital cellular phone, pager, hand-held device, or e-mail address

* Alerts will be broadcast from the 10-kilometer, half-marathon, and 30-kilometer marks, as well as the finish, when the runner passes those locations

* The B.A.A. first used the electronic timing and scoring device in 1995 on a trial basis with the push rim wheelchair division

* All participants in the historic 100th Boston Marathon in 1996 were scored using the Champion Chip

* Information about the 2017 AT&T Athlete Alert program will be made available soon.

RACE DAY MEDIA COVERAGE * Live local coverage on WBZ-TV, or www.boston.cbslocal.com

* Live national TV coverage on NBC Sports * Live web coverage on www.baa.org

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

DIVISION START TIME

Mobility Impaired 8:50 a.m.

Push Rim Wheelchair 9:17 a.m.

Handcycles 9:22 a.m.

Elite Women 9:32 a.m.

Elite Men & Wave One 10:00 a.m.

Wave Two 10:25 a.m.

Wave Three 10:50 a.m.

Wave Four 11:15 a.m.

OPTIMAL VIEWING TIMES/LOCATIONS

SPLIT LOCATION LEAD MEN (W) LEAD WOMEN (W) LEAD WOMEN LEAD MEN

Start Main St. Hopkinton 9:17 a.m. 9:17 a.m. 9:32 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

5K Rt. 135, Ashland 9:26 a.m. 9:26 a.m. 9:49 a.m. 10:15 a.m.

10K Rt. 135, Framingham 9:36 a.m. 9:38 a.m. 10:06 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

15K Rt. 135, Natick 9:47 a.m. 9:50 a.m. 10:22 a.m. 10:46 a.m.

20K Rt. 135, Wellesley 9:57 a.m. 10:02 a.m. 10:39 a.m. 11:01 a.m.

Half Rt. 135, Wellesley 9:59 a.m. 10:04 a.m. 10:42 a.m. 11:04 a.m.

25K Rt. 16, Wellesley 10:07 a.m. 10:14 a.m. 10:57 a.m. 11:16 a.m.

30K Rt. 30, Newton 10:17 a.m. 10:26 a.m. 11:14 a.m. 11:31 a.m.

35K Rt. 30, Boston 10:27 a.m. 10:38 a.m. 11:31 a.m. 11:47 a.m.

40K Beacon St., Boston 10:36 a.m. 10:49 a.m. 11:48 a.m. 12:02 p.m.

FINISH Boylston St., Boston 10:41 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 11:56 a.m. 12:08 p.m.

All times above are approximate

SPECTATOR PARKING IN HOPKINTON

Please note that the roads within the town of Hopkinton close at 7:00 a.m. and no street parking will be available. Expect delays! Please do not park illegally, as it will jeopardize the transportation system and will result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense. There will be no on-street parking allowed in the town of Hopkinton. Registered runners are requested to use the shuttle buses from the South Street parking lots in order to ensure timely arrival at the Athletes’ Village.

Volunteer/Spectator Parking:

* Hopkinton State Park parking and shuttle service is for volunteers and spectators only.

* Registered runners parking at this location and using this shuttle will not be transported to the Athletes’ Village and will have to walk an additional one mile from the drop-off point to the Village.

* These runners may be subject to additional security screening to enter the Village.

* Registered runners are requested to use the shuttle buses from the South Street parking lots in order to ensure timely arrival at the Athletes’ Village.

PARKING IN BOSTON

Race Week On-street parking in Boston’s Back Bay is extremely limited during race week. There are a number of parking garages in the area; however, public transportation is strongly encouraged. Race Day Parking meters are not active on Patriots’ Day; however, due to road closures and traffic congestion, spectators will be unable to drive near the finish area.

Garage @ 100 Clarendon

Park just steps away from the Boston Marathon at the Garage @ 100 Clarendon. Located one block from the finish line, Garage @ 100 Clarendon is proud to be the Official Parking Garage of the Boston Marathon. Garage @ 100 Clarendon is the Back Bay and South End’s most affordable and conveniently located parking facility. Positioned above the Massachusetts Turnpike and next door to Back Bay Rail Station, this full service parking facility offers flexible parking services with unmatched customer service. Stay, Park & Save - Stay at any Boston hotel and receive discounted parking at Garage @ 100 Clarendon. Visit www.100clarendon.com for more information on Marathon Day Parking, Hotel Parking, and all other parking services.

RULES FOR UNAUTHORIZED PARTICIPANTS ON RACE DAY

For the safety of official participants and spectators, the B.A.A. strictly prohibits unofficial participation in the Boston Marathon, and those in violation are subject to interdiction. Those who are not officially registered in the Boston Marathon will not be allowed to participate. Official participants are asked to discourage family and friends who are not officially registered participants from entering the course in any manner. Many people want to participate in some way in the Boston Marathon as a display of support, but those who are not official participants are asked to refrain from entering the course for the safety of the runners and themselves. There are several other opportunities which enable a show of support for the Boston Marathon, including the B.A.A. 5K on April 15, attending the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo, volunteering, or spectating. Anyone on the course for any distance who has not been assigned, or is not displaying, an officially issued bib number from the B.A.A. is subject to interdiction. The B.A.A. reserves the right to remove any person from the course who is not displaying an official bib that has been assigned by the B.A.A. Similarly, units or groups such as military ruck-marchers, unless officially sanctioned, and cyclists will not be allowed to participate.