In the first heat the United States and Jamaica took the top two spots as expected, shortly followed by the Dominican Republic in a national record time of 3:06.30. In the second heat, a clash between Vladimir Antmanis and Marcin Marciniszyn resulted in a baton drop by Russia, which eventually cost them a place in the final. Belgium won heat two but the initial second placers Botswana (which ran an African record of 3:09.60) were later disqualified for a baton exchange outside of the legal zone. The Bahamas benefited from the disqualification and the Dominican Republic and Great Britain entered the final as the fastest losers.Arcoleo, Laura (2010-03-13). EVENT REPORT - MEN's 4x400 Metres Relay Heats . IAAF. Retrieved on 2010-03-17.
