So let's add some clarity....it's not that the military is specifically banned because of being military...it's the RUCK MARCH that is banned. For those not familiar, a RUCK MARCH involved marching with an approx. 40# backpack and full gear. So according to the new rules adopted for the BM, it is understandable, because: ( http://www.runnersworld.com/boston-marathon/boston-marathon-wont-allow-bags-at-start )
Quoted Text
The Boston Athletic Association announced Wednesday that runners won't be allowed to transport bags to the start of the 2014 Boston Marathon.
and
Quoted Text
The B.A.A. also laid out items that will not be allowed in any "Marathon venue, including the course, Athlete's Village near the start in Hopkinton, start or finish area, and all officially-sanctioned Marathon events."
The list included: Backpacks, any similar item carried over the shoulder, or handbag of any size; glass containers; any container capable of carrying more than 1 liter of liquid; strollers, including baby strollers; suitcases and rolling bags; personal hydration system products (such as Camel Bak, Thor, etc.); weight vest or any sort of vest with pockets (lightweight running vest are allowable); 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 and signs or flags larger than 11 inches x 17 inches); any items larger than 5 inches x 15 inches x 5 inches.
sooooo, without the backpack there is no ruck march. This could have possibly been worked out, but if you read Bumble's link you see that the people that should have discussed it before hand to work out an agreement, simply didn't talk together. |