This race was obviously a fluke within the industry of world-class marathoning. But after considering everything that happened in this race, one thing that became apparent to me was this:
Everything his coaches (ie. Salazar) and his agent Ricky Simms have said about Mo being the grittiest and most ruthless runner, at least on the track and now I think at the marathon too. Despite all plans and expectations, he went with the pack and held on for an incredible time in only his 1st "real marathon." His performance is unique among runners. No matter what Mo's competition has ever thrown at him, he has hung on and put up an incredible fight, most of the time winning in the process. This race was not much different.
Other world class runners, even champions perhaps, would have not gone with the pace, faded much earlier than Mo and finished with a lesser time, or dropped out entirely. Not Mo. The guy can take literally ANYTHING and still have an incredible race. I do believe him to the the most ruthless runner in recent history.