By Jim Spier. Photos by Joy Kamani

The Americans gave it a shot. Jordan Hasay (Oregon) and Emily Sisson (Parkway Central, Chesterfield, MO) were competitive for about half the race. That’s when the fun began. With the leaders running 4:38 for the first 1500 meters, it was a pace (9:16) that was tolerable. But that would not last. With the last 1500 meters at 4:17, it was tough for the Americans to hang on. Especially with a 62 second last 400 and 31 second last 200!

Mercy Cherono of Kenya, the defender, held off a challenge down the homestretch by Emebet Antehen (Ethiopia, 8:55.24) and Layes Abdullayeva (Azerbaijan, 8:55.33). Cherono’s 8:55.07 winning time is the World Junior leader.

Hasay and Sisson both achieved outdoor PR’s: 9:15.78 for Hasay in 9th and 9:16.80 for Sisson in 10th. The top 10 all achieved personal or seasonal bests.

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