WITH a SWAT team parked near the starting line, more than 30,000 runners have contested the St Jude Country Music Marathon in Nashville.
The event was the largest in the United States since the April 15 bombings in Boston.
Heavy security turned out on a cold and rainy Saturday with more than 50,000 spectators lining the streets.
The US Department of Homeland Security was on hand along with Nashville police, more than 150 private security officers and extra bomb-sniffing dogs.
Before the start, Boston's adopted song, Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, blared through speakers.
A moment of silence was held, with heads bowed and peace signs raised. An American flag waved as the first wave of runners took off.