| Melkamu had run an African record 29:53.80 earlier in the season, but was not favourite, as Defar in her debut at the event had run 29:59.20 in poor conditions five weeks before the championships. The pace was slow, with halfway reached in 15:45.19. Masai stepped things up sharply with 3000m to go, putting in a 71 second lap followed by circuits of 69.8 and 70.5. This ensured that the leading group of five – three Ethiopians and two Kenyans – were well clear of the field. Momanyi shared the pace with Masai who led at the bell (29:48.10). Defar went into the lead 350m from the finish and continued to lead from Melkamu with 100m to go, with Masai 2m back. Melkamu caught a faltering Defar with 40m left, but it became clear that Masai – despite her earlier efforts – had discovered a sprint finish which was closing in on the Ethiopian paring. The tall Kenyan caught Melkamu on line just as the Ethiopian had raised her arms to celebrate. Meanwhile Defar gave up and was passed by Ayalew and Momanyi. After the race it registered that nine runners grouped in the outer stagger (asterisked above) – including Masai, Ayalew and Momanyi – may have run around six metres less than the entire race distance because they cut in immediately from the start as cones separating the echelons were not in place as required by IAAF rule 162.10. Therefore, while their times and placings will remain the same they are not eligible for statistical purposes. |
