LONDON 2017- FARAH WINS 10,000M IN UNSTOPPABLE RACE IN LONDON

The Kenyans and Ugandans threw everything at Mo Farah over the first nine kilometres of the 10,000m final but the reigning champion still found himself in the position where he is at his most dangerous and virtually unbeatable: at the front with 800m remaining.

While the Kenyans made it a hard race from the gun two years ago in Beijing, a different gameplan was put into fruition on the opening night of the IAAF World Championships London 2017 on Friday (4) in a bid to spoil Farah’s swansong.

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei and the Kenyan trio headed by his training partner Geoffrey Kamworor staked out their claim with an opening lap of 61.02 and while surging was the tactic of the day, there was still a moment of deja vu as Farah nearly fell on the last lap for the second World Championships in a row.

“It was amazing tonight, I had to get my head around it. I got a bit emotional at the start and then I just had to get in the zone. It has all been amazing.

“On encouraging the crowd:
“I just wanted to play with the guy’s head. It wasn’t an easy race though. It has been a long journey where I have worked very hard on long distance but also speed.

“But what a way to end my career in London. This was very special. Said Farah

But the sapping variances in pace – and another stumble on the last lap – didn’t sufficiently blunt Farah’s legendary speed as the reigning champion secured his tenth successive major track title, a streak which started all the way back to the 5000m at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, with another irresistible last lap timed at 55.63.

Farah opined beforehand that he wasn’t in his very best shape but now 34, his winning time of 26:49.51 was the second fastest of his career – second only to his European record of 26:46.57 set in Eugene six years ago – as well as the second fastest winning time in championship history . He also covered the second half in 13:13.31 as he was roared to the first half of another potential 5000/10,000m double. Of note, the fast pace in the second half brought seven runners under the 27-minute mark, making it the deepest race in championship history.

“I knew at 12 laps to go when they went hard from there I knew it was going to be tough. It was about believing in my sprint finish and knowing that I have been in that position before. It helped a lot having that experience.

“That was a special moment for me. I miss spending time with them (my family). To have my family on the track is very special.