Heading to watch the 2023 Boston Marathon? Leave these banned items at home.

Organizers are asking spectators to leave backpacks, handbags, coolers, and blankets behind.

Boston police check spectators' bags near the finish line before the start of the 120th running of the Boston Marathon, April 18, 2016. Gretchen Ertl / Reuters

By Boston.com Staff

updated on April 17, 2023

2023 Boston Marathon:

If you want to snag a choice viewing spot for the 2023 Boston Marathon, you’ll want to get through security checkpoints as quickly as possible, which means being prepared.

The Boston Athletic Association has offered a list of items banned from the route and any official BAA venues. Spectators should expect plenty of uniformed and plainclothes police officers along the entire 26.2-mile course and at security checkpoints.

“Spectators along the course are discouraged from possessing any of the items listed below,” the BAA says on its website. “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).

Public safety officials have also called the entire race course a “no drone zone,” so spectators will have to skip the aerial snapshots of those running and watching below.