A large field of 31 athletes from 15 countries was set to participate in the final, although Irishman Martin Fagan did not start the competition.
Four-time major championship silver medallist Sileshi Sihine was another strong competitor,[2] but he withdrew due to an injury and was replaced by Ethiopian team's reserve Imane Merga.
[3] Gebregziabher Gebremariam and Kenyans Moses Masai and Micah Kogo were other possible medallists, as well as the consistent Eritrean, Zersenay Tadese.
Bekele continued to follow Tadese waiting, and on the last lap the reigning champion finally took the lead, sprinting away to win the gold medal in a Championship record time of 26:46.31.
Key: CR = Championship record, DNF = Did not finish, DNS = Did not start, PB = Personal best, SB = Seasonal best