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Chicago Marathon To Enhance Security In Wake Of Boston Bombing

Marathon To Get Security Upgrade

(CBS) -- The city is tightening security for the Bank of America Chicago marathon on Oct. 13, in the wake of April's Boston Marathon bombing that killed three and injured more than 260 others.

Two of the biggest changes:  Runners will have to pick up their own bib numbers and race packets, rather than have someone else do it.  Also, runners who check clothing and other things on race day will have to put it all into one clear plastic bag.

Chicago Marathon organizers and the city say dogs will be used to detect explosives and officers will conduct random bag checks.

One of the runners in Boston was Wendy Jaehn, the executive director of the Chicago Area Runners Association. She tells WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller the enhanced security measures shouldn't be a problem for runners, with a little advanced planning.

The security upgrade sounds like a good idea to Beth Roche of Highland, Ind., who was injured at Boston as she cheered on a family member. Her daughter and son will run in the Chicago Marathon this year.

"That makes me feel a little bit better, but yes, I'm worried for them," Roche tells CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli.

Roche spent more than a month in the hospital and only recently has been able walk unassisted.

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