Running police keep the peace at Tokyo Marathon

sounds like they just wanted an excuse to run. even if they thought a terrorist attack would somehow come from the group of runners, couldn't they just ride a bike along the sidelines? what did they plan to do if an attack came and they were too gassed to stop it?

Wouldn't the race have been run safely even if they were not out in full force? I think it would have been. Everything seemed to be under control ... as it usually is in marathons run in Japan.

I'd really like to have one of those small anti- terrorism backpacks. I'd feel much more confident about my safety.

As stated a few weeks ago - totally unnecessary and simply illogical.

It would have made much more sense to have deployed the officers on bicycles. The same number of officers doing 20km each on bicycles instead of 10km on foot would have effectively doubled the 'security'.

And what on earth is 'anti-terrorism gear'??

I can state with 99% certainty that having these officers run made no difference whatsoever to the safety of any of the runners.

Correction: Peaceful Tokyo Marathon features ceremonial running police.

And I also would love to know what the "anti-terrorism gear" is.

I think they made them run so as they 'blended in', as opposed to interfering with other runners if they were to be on bicycles. I'm no expert so I could be wrong!

I think they made them run so as they 'blended in

LOL, yeah I can just imagine them 'blending in' with POLICE written in large letters on their vests!

I was in Ginza when they ran past. A lot of people cheered them on and I think runners appreciated the extra security.

It appears the only people who mocked them are some JT readers posting above, who think they know more about security issues than the police.

i ran it today , and the only problem i have with the security measures is that it was all directed at the runners. to be honest, i don't think terrorists are that fit to run in a marathon. and try hiding a weapon wearing short shorts.

Security is a big business, lots of money for expenses (m/h) and gear. Not really outfitted/prepared to stop anything only hope to take catch picture and get them later. It does make some people feel better and good PR but for most good people it's just a hassle. It's just something we have to be burdened with in these times.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a j cop! Yes, rather ceremonious as someone has already mentioned. I highly doubt if any would be isis/n. Korean/ red army/ aum remnant terrorists, take your pick, were dissuaded from carrying out any attack. Anti-terrorism gear probably consisted of a megaphone. ''Please refrain from your illegal activities! Onegai shimasu!'' Still, the marathon went without problems so we should be thankful.

therougouFeb. 22, 2015 - 05:29PM JST sounds like they just wanted an excuse to run

Wow, okay, sorry to toss cold water onto your parade, but in my book (and many other law biding peoples book) these people that put their lives on the line to save everyone are heroes!

You might disagree, but people that put their lives the line to protect perfect strangers for no monetary gain are heroes in my book.

Hell, I would lay my life on the line to protect you and your beliefs, would you do the same for me?

@JoeBigs: No monetary gain? They pull in a salary plus bonuses, and have job security for life.

I don't see any issues with it, good on them! Protect and serve and keep fit whilst doing it!

How many whistles can you fit into a small anti-terrorism back pack? And wouldn't they be too pooped to blow them if something did happen? And were they sort of looking around as they ran to spot the obvious terrorists? And why does this sound like a total total waste of time and like wearing Y200,000 worth of tennis wear when you can't even hit a backhand….