After the 17.5-kilometer supply point, there was no need for the contestants of a team to stay in formation.
The contestants who had the strength to get a higher individual ranking had been following others within the team to preserve more physical strength. Until now, the leading runner for the last leg of the half marathon would be in front of the team. He would be leading the team for the next two kilometers.
After those two kilometers, they would reach the final sprint phase. This would depend on individual ability. The more physical strength one had left, the faster they could sprint.
