US Women Second in 4 by 1500 Relay: Updated

US 4 by 1500 Relay Silver Medallists

It took a world record to win the women's 4 by 1500 Relay at the IAAF World Relays Championships in the Bahamas on Saturday.  Kenya won the race, beating the old record by more than 30 seconds in 16:33.58.  The US team, led off by Team USA Minnesota's Heather Kampf  finished second in 16:55.33, a new US record and also under the old World Record.  Previous record 17:05. They did this despite a fall by Katie Mackey at the beginning of the second leg of the relay.

Kampf handed off in third place after her first leg in a time around 4:08.  The more dramatic handoff came between to Katie Mackey preserved for posterity on this photo HERE. Or as Gabe Grunewald wrote on Twitter:

Heather Kampf ‏@HeatherRaeKampf  8h

Running with a baton is like carrying around the hearts of your teammates while racing. Can't wait! @worldrelaysbah #TeamUSA 4x1500m TONIGHT

gabriele grunewald ‏@gg_runs  31m

I dig Mercy Cherono's hair. #Kenya And props to @KatiefMackey for holding onto that baton in a dicey situation! #TeamUSA #WorldRelays

Heather Kampf ‏@HeatherRaeKampf  1h

The decibel-level alone at @worldrelaysbah was hands-down the most ELECTRIFYING atmosphere I have ever raced in. Thankful for this night!

The new US recordholders

US problems with batons is covered HERE. IAAF report on the Kenyan WR is HERE.