The Olympic torch took an alternate, shortened and heavily guarded route through parts of San Francisco on Wednesday to avoid possible disruption by anti-Chinese demonstrators.

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At the last minute, officials drastically changed the planned route and shortened the torch relay to keep protesters guessing.

When the relay finally did start, two torchbearers teamed up and ran together instead of one.

Runners were also surrounded by a heavy police presence as they made their way through the city.

The closing ceremony at Justin Harmon Plaza was re-routed to the airport, disappointing many who had waited for hours.

For days, demonstrators had been anticipating the torch's only stop in the United States. Thousands of pro- and anti-Chinese protesters descended on the city for the event.

Police, fearing riots, stepped up security. They placed barricades along the torch route.

Hundreds of pro-Tibet supporters marched across the Golden Gate Bridge, rallying against the Chinese occupation of that country.

But many Chinese-Americans said they came in peace to witness history.

The torch has concluded its tour of San Francisco. Officials said it was put on a plane at San Francisco International Airport.