After the 2013 bombings at the Boston Marathon, more security measures are in place for runners and attendees for this year, but police are seeking to try and strike a balance, keeping the race a fun experience.

There will be security checkpoints and the addition of more police officers at the marathon, reports The Associated Press. People will still be allowed to group at the finish line and runners may still get kisses from women from the Wellesley College.

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said, "We want this event to be what it always has been, and that's a special day for the city, the best marathon in the world." He added, "We don't want to change that."

Some changes that will be taking place, along with the increase security, is that runners need to hold back some on any outrageous uniforms. People who haven't registered to run in the marathon, known as "bandit" runners, are encouraged to merely watch the race.

As previously reported, despite the increased security, 36,000 people will be allowed to race, up from last year's 27,000.

Runners will also check their gear at a specific location and the bags will only be accessible once they are finished with the marathon. Bags in general will be banned from bus routes in Boston and Hopkinton and near the race.

image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons