The pack stayed bunched, with Mare Dibaba, Visiline Jepkesho, Rose Chelimo, Volha Mazuronak and Tirfi Tsegaye each taking their turns in the spotlight.

The racing got serious, the pack was down to seven at 30 kilometres with American Desiree Linden the closest pursuer but unable to get back with the group.

[2] As Flanagan and Mazuronak struggled with the group, the remaining five African runners surged, the gap grew.

Eunice Kirwa never held the lead and Jemima Sumgong only asserted herself in the last 5 kilometers.

When she did the pack strung out to a straight line, former race walker Mazuronak and Tsegaye falling off the back.