Boston mourns and prepares for the Marathon

The people of Boston are determined to make this year's marathon a success. On Monday, April 21, 2014, the day of the Boston Marathon, people are advised not to carry bagpacks and handbags larger than 12"X12"X6". They are also being advised that a large number of uniformed and plain clothed police officers will be lined up along the entire 26 miles route of the marathon but particularly near the finish line. Spectators will have to walk through security checkpoints to enter designated viewing areas.

The 118th annual Boston Marathon will kick off on Monday morning at 9:00 am at Hopkinton and continue through its most challenging terrain - Heartbreak Hill in Newton - and complete its 26 miles 385 yards course when the it reaches the finish line on Boylston Street near the Boston Public Library. The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest continuously running marathon.