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This race was a far cry from the recent record breaking-runs on the Grand Prix circuit, not surprising in the fierce 32° heat. Morocco's Brahim Boulami, Kenya's Eliud Barngetuny and Norway's Jim Svenoy all took turns in the lead, but the pace was painfully slow; 2:54.95 at 1000m and 5:45.18 at 2000m.

In the final kilometre, 19 year-old Paul Kosgei took the lead and the pack started to split up. But the decisive moment came just before the bell, when Patrick Sang burst into the front. He in turn was passed when another Kenyan accelerated dramatically on the backstraight. It was Olympic champion Joseph Keter. He was challenged in the finishing straight by Moses Kiptanui but held on to win and score his most significant victory since Atlanta.

The first two men, from the same training squad, embraced after the finish. Keter's final lap, including hurdles and water jump, was covered well inside one minute.
Winner's statements

"I have been training specifically for this event. After not going to Athens for the World Championships, I lost all hope! I had been training too hard and this was my main problem. So I reduced the level of my training and this has produced myt performance today. This is the marvellous end to a difficult year."