[1][2] With more lane violations being called even as they would be less significant in a race of this distance, four were disqualified in the heats, most notably Olympic silver medalist Paul Chelimo, jostled into taking one step inside the rail.

Hagos Gebrhiwet began to move forward in the pack, then Yomif Kejelcha joined him.

With the acceleration, the Kenyans and ex-pat Shadrack Kipchirchir moved forward, Kejelcha taking over the lead.

Mechaal came back to re-join the mix, then Barega made a big move to reach Kejelcha's shoulder, an Ethiopian wall at the front.

Gebrhiwet then came forward on the outside, closing the box on the pursuers Kipchirchir and exchanging elbows with Mechaal.