The T11 category is for athletes with a visual impairment. A T11 athlete may be entirely without sight, or be able to perceive light, but have no ability to see the shape of a hand at any distance. T11 athletes commonly run with guides.
The event was won by Great Britain's Libby Clegg, guided by Chris Clarke. Having run a world record for the classification in the semi-final, Clegg was initially disqualified for having obtained illegal assistance from her guide runner. Upon her appeal, with her final place and world record reinstated, Clegg eased away from the Chinese pair of Zhou Guohua and Liu Cuiqing to take the gold medal. The fourth finalist, double gold medalist and home favourite Terezinha Guilhermina was disqualified for illegal assistance.
Results
Heats
Qualification rule: Winners of each heat (Q) and the next four fastest (q) qualify for the semifinals.
1Libby Clegg was initially disqualified for illegal assistance from her guide Chris Clarke, but was reinstated upon appeal, and her world record restored.