security was quick and easy at chicago. we got to grant park about an hour before the first gun and walked right through security. there wasn't even a line. there was a small line for the people who had bags. no metal detectors or wanding or anything. it's security theater more than anything.
are there multiple secure entrances? if so, I think it will be fine. in chicago there were several entrances along MI ave so it wasn't like there were 40K people going through one entrance.
Post by chitownbelle on Nov 13, 2013 14:31:58 GMT -5
Get there an hour early. I got to the gate in Chi at 0650 for a 0730 start and I almost missed the start. Since I'd run it twice before, I wasn't really thinking about heightened security. Oops. They had 2 lines, I did not bring a gear bag. Everything turned into almost single file by then. They barely checked anything, just to see our bib numbers, and I even saw people sneaking through without their bib visible. But by the time I got through and waited to pee, they closed the corrals and I had to wait for the gun before I could move into my corral. I had no time to stretch or mentally prepare and I wish I had had an extra twenty minutes. My SIL was sick that morning and we got held up a little, and I underestimated how much time I'd need. Wouldn't want that for any of you.
The other Chi runners who said there was no security prob got there earlier than me.
MCM security was quick - although they did tell you to be at the race 2 hours before start time. We had the clear, Brooks bags, for bag check. They checked them at the entrance and then you hung around in a huge parking lot until race time. Since this was our first BIG marathon, we wanted to get there with plenty of time, so arrived 2 hours ahead of time
They said they weren't allowing camelbaks, but i saw some folks on the course who used them - no one pulled them off.
security was quick and easy at chicago. we got to grant park about an hour before the first gun and walked right through security. there wasn't even a line. there was a small line for the people who had bags. no metal detectors or wanding or anything. it's security theater more than anything.
are there multiple secure entrances? if so, I think it will be fine. in chicago there were several entrances along MI ave so it wasn't like there were 40K people going through one entrance.
So I'm a little confused, what is the point of security if they stop checking at 8:00 AM? I'm not afraid of another Boston, but if I was worried I'd be more concerned about security post-race than pre-race.
So I'm a little confused, what is the point of security if they stop checking at 8:00 AM? I'm not afraid of another Boston, but if I was worried I'd be more concerned about security post-race than pre-race.
I had assumed they meant after 8am they would close it off, not that they'd be open/un-checked, so that the finish would be secure. So checkpoints would be exit only after that?
I had a super easy time with security at Chicago. There were 2 lines entering the corral area, one for people with bags, one without. I didn't take a bag and literally just walked right through. Also, anyone using gear check was required to use the clear plastic bag they gave you, no packpacks, duffels, etc were allowed. Its hard to tell how much of it was just for show... when there is an outdoor event with many thousands of people and 2 million spectators, there is no way they can secure every bit of it. If you're worried about security, just plan for extra time just in case. Chicago is a pretty well oiled machine.. i could see it being a mess at a less organized race.
Post by Wines Not Whines on Nov 13, 2013 22:44:57 GMT -5
Oops, I just saw this. I didn't think security lines were bad at MCM. I got to the runners area around 90 minutes early. It was more than enough time. I had a clear gear check bag, and they let me through with no problem. The biggest change I noticed was helicopters flying over the course during the entire race.
So I'm a little confused, what is the point of security if they stop checking at 8:00 AM? I'm not afraid of another Boston, but if I was worried I'd be more concerned about security post-race than pre-race.
I had assumed they meant after 8am they would close it off, not that they'd be open/un-checked, so that the finish would be secure. So checkpoints would be exit only after that?
Ahh, that makes sense, but I hope they figure something better out for the post race. It would kinda suck if the finish was closed off to spectators who didn't arrive prior to 8AM.
I just saw this, sorry! I've been MIA thanks to a totally crazy week. Anyway, basically what ebeth and jordylee said. I used the gear check with the clear bag provided, and it was still pretty quick getting through. No metal detectors or anything - they just took a quick look at the bag.
Just got back from picking up my race packet. I got there before the doors opened and the lobby was PACKED with this haphazard line that snaked all over. But as soon as the door opened people just went in, lines be damned.
Post by thebulldog on Nov 15, 2013 16:46:04 GMT -5
50 degrees now slated for 7am. Dammit. I am wearing compression shorts and a tank. Exact "outfit" from my last half and last long run. If it ain't broke.
i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.
I'm so nervous, Mr. GT hasn't shown up yet. I think he may bade dropped out and could be walking back from Maneunk w out a phone or money. He was trying for 3:10 and we haven't seen an update since the 30k.