His only follower was José Luíz Barbosa with Nixon Kiprotich and William Tanui trailing a clear breakaway from the rest of the field.

Entering the final turn, Gray stumbled for a moment, losing momentum, but a straining Barbosa could not take advantage.

Kiprotich, only a time qualifier from his semi, closed late on his teammate, passing Gray for silver.

The Kenyan team was strong, even without two-time world champion Billy Konchellah (out due to asthma); William Tanui joined the two veterans.

[2] Belize, the Central African Republic, the Maldives, Mauritania, and Vanuatu all appeared in the event for the first time.