Community Advisory: Boston Marathon

Dear Emerson Community Members:

The 2021 Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, October 11, 2021, resulting in large crowds and road closures throughout the city. On Monday, the race organizer (Boston Athletic Association) will stage buses on Charles Street between the Boston Common and Public Garden to transport thousands of the runners to the starting line in Hopkinton. Bus loading will take place between 7:15 and 9:45 a.m.  Community members may experience delays when traveling in the city, both on foot and by public transportation. https://www.mbta.com/guides/marathon-guide

The race organizer and Boston Police have developed a safety and security plan for the event.  They are asking all those who will be attending for their cooperation in following the  guidelines (https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/watch/spectators), which will help to ensure the safety of the runners and spectators in attendance. 

Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long has asked colleges in the Boston area to distribute the letter (below) asking for everyone’s help in making this event both enjoyable and safe for all. If you should have questions or concerns regarding the event, you can call Emerson College Police at 617-824-8555 (business line) or at 617-824-8888 (emergency number).

Thank you for your cooperation,

Chief Robert Smith
Emerson College Police Department

Letter from BPD:

October 4, 2021

Boston Area College and University Students

Re:  Marathon Monday 2021 Safety Message

Dear Students:

On Monday, October 11, 2021 Boston will host the 125th running of the Boston Marathon. In conjunction with partners, both public and private, the Boston Police Department has developed a safety and security plan for the events to ensure both athletes and spectators who participate feel safe.  Marathon related activities are hosted all weekend long and the Boston Police Department has planned security measures for each. 

Spectators planning 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 and we would like to remind attendees:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings. “If you see something, say something.” We encourage spectators to call 9-1-1 in an emergency or if they see suspicious activity.
• Refrain from public drinking & open containers. Public Intoxication & smoking marijuana will not be tolerated.
• Congregating on rooftops, fire escapes and porches is prohibited.
• In this time of heightened security, we appreciate you not bringing backpacks to the marathon. These items are not banned, however individuals may be subject to search at designated checkpoints.  Please visit BAA.org to view the full list of spectator guidelines.
• It is recommended that you take the MBTA to travel due to the large volume of visitors to the city.

In addition, Newbury Street and Huntington Avenue outbound will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow easier spectator movement in the area. Vehicular traffic will also be prohibited on many streets in Boston on the days leading up to the Marathon. For information on street closures and parking restrictions please visit www.BPDNews.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get up to date information. 

Additional links for spectators and visitors to Boston:

BAA:  https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/watch/spectators

City of Boston COVID:  https://www.boston.gov/news/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-boston

It is our hope that everyone enjoys this year’s Boston Marathon and celebrate in a safe and respectful manner.  The City of Boston takes pride in this event, and we ask that you to play a role in our effort to ensure that we are a shining example of good sportsmanship, pride and most of all resilience. 

Sincerely,
Gregory P. Long
Superintendent In Chief