Running police keep the peace at Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s “running police” follow marathon competitors during the Tokyo Marathon in Tokyo, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. AP PHOTO/Shizuo Kambayashi

TOKYO — The running police made sure the Tokyo Marathon went off without a hitch.

Over 60 of the officers were deployed in Sunday’s race in response to concerns over threats of terrorism.

They wore white vests bearing the word “POLICE.” Each member ran about 10 kilometers while carrying anti-terrorism gear in small backpacks.

Tokyo has been on edge following the slaying of two Japanese hostages by the Islamic State group last month. Islamist militants threatened Japanese people everywhere after the slayings.

Over 36,000 runners took part in the race as organizers were eager to show that Tokyo remains a safe place to hold major sporting events.

The Boston Marathon in 2013 was the target of a terrorist attack that killed three people.