Teddington-based demonstrated just has far he has come in the past couple of years with a superb 6th place finish in his first ever World Championships, writes Richard Warburton.

Running fearlessly, he took the pace on with 600m to go and made a break for home.

It broke the field, leaving several big names, including Australian Craig Mottram trailing. With 200m, Farah was still in with a shout of a medal place, but just didn't quite have the kick to finish the job, coming home in 13:47.54. Nonetheless, it was a magnificent effort and provides a great platform for next year's Beijing Olympics.

USA's Bernard Lagat won gold in 13:45.87 to add to his victory in the 1500m, former champion Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) took silver in 13:46.00 and Moses Ndiema Kipsiro (Uganda) picked up bronze 13:46.75.

After the race Farah said: "I am pleased and I think it went really well, given that it was such a slow race.

"I knew that I had to go from 600m out and push the pace with people like Lagat in the race.

"I was surprised by the slow early pace and I thought it was playing into Lagat's hands.

"I was aware that I was here in the World Champs final and I had felt good in the heat and came into the final feeling good.

"My training has gone really well and I have to thank Alan Storey, Mark Rowland and all the medical team for all the support they've given me.

"I was pleased with how last year went and I'm more pleased with how this year has gone and looking forward to next year I feel I now have the confidence and experience to do even better."