[1] All the favoured athletes progressed through a series of tactically-run heats on the first day of competition, with Baala, Kiprop, Choge and Deresse Mekonnen the four race winners.
[2] Moroccan Amine Laalou won the first semi-final, followed by Americans Lopez Lomong and Lagat, while Kiprop and Leonel Manzano both finished quickly to take the top two qualifying spots in the second race.
The only high-profile athlete to be eliminated in the semi-finals was Keitany, who did not start, putting an end to any hopes of a Kenyan medal sweep.
[3] The final race began slowly and, as the athletes reached the last lap, they remained in a tight pack led by Mekonnen.
[5] Mekonnen maintained his pace to take the silver medal and defending champion Lagat had a quick burst near the finish to win the bronze.