(Newser)
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Kenya native Bernard Lagat became the first US runner to win the 1,500 meters at the world track and field championships in Osaka last night, the AP reports. Lagat, who became a US citizen in 2004, broke away from the pack near the end of the race to defeat countrymen Rashid Ramzi, competing for Brunei, and Shedrack Kibet Korir.
Lagat's teammate Alan Webb, who had the world's top time in the event and led for most of the race, fell behind in the last 50 meters, finishing eighth. He described his performance as "just a colossal breakdown." Webb is finished at the worlds; Lagat will turn his focus to the 5,000, which begins tonight.
