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BAA implements new policies for 2014 Boston Marathon runners

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The Boston Athletic Association, the group that organizes the Boston Marathon each year, has announced a string of new policies for runners participating in this year's race.

Runners will no longer be allowed to have bags with them, and bags will not be allowed on buses from Boston to Hopkinton, or from Hopkinton back to Boston. Runners will be allowed to bring a change of clothing to Boston Common the morning before the race, as well as other personal items, to be placed in clear plastic bags.

Participants will be allowed to wear extra layers of clothing for warmth on buses from Boston to Hopkinton, but any clothing runners discard before the start of the race will be donated to a local charity. Though costumes are not banned outright, anything covering the body or not form-fitting, extending beyond  the body, is not allowed.

The "no bags" rule includes water backpacks like Camelbaks, as well as sports and military equipment. Runners will be able to carry fanny packs to carry food, medicine, identification, cellphones, keys and other small necessities.

The bib pick-up policy has also been tweaked for 2014. This year, each participant is required to pick up his or her own bib. Family members or friends are not allowed to claim them.

At the finish line, runners will be allowed to exit in three separate spots before the usual Arlington Street opening. The exact placement of the exits will be announced at a later date, the BAA stated.

Additionally, all unofficial participants are banned from this year's race, including military ruck-marchers and cyclists.

"We are aware that many people want to participate in some way in this year's Boston Marathon as a display of support," the new rules read, "but we ask that those who are not official participants to refrain from entering the course for the safety of the runners and themselves."