Before diving into the history of the 5000M and 5K, I note that the two are distinguished from each other: the 5000M is the track version of the distance and the 5K is the road/cross-country version. To attempt to keep my posts from being cluttered, when I’m referring to the 5000M or 5K, I will use 5K unless the distinction is needed for clarity.
In some ways, it’s baffling that the distance lives in the shadows of the popular race conscience, at least among the American population. I assume it forms a significant part of many distance runners’ formative mileage if they run cross-country in high school. It’s the most popular distance in the US for all ages and there is no shortage of holiday-themed 5Ks out there. In theory, it’s a race length people can relate to.
The 5K’s roots go at least all the way back to the ancient Olympics with an event called the dolichos. This was a race that was believed to have been around three miles, though in some cases it may have been longer. In looking for information about the dolichos, I found this article on the history of it. Instead writing a new article, I’m happy to link to one that does an excellent job of outlining this event, while also linking it to our modern understanding and view of the race.
Despite its ancient roots, the first true 5000M in the Olympic games was held in 1912 for men. The Olympics added it to the women’s events in 1996. It was part of the first World Championships for men in 1983 and was added to the women’s program in 1995. (Prior to these years for the women, they ran the 3000M. Interestingly, U.S. high school women were running the 5K as part of cross country at least as far back as 1979, long before the Olympics and World Championships made their changes.)
Suffice to say that a rough version of the distance has been around for a very long time and it forms a common and strong piece of our modern running world among professionals, intense amateurs, and recreational runners.
For the next post, I’ll list four all-time great 5000M races with a brief description of why they belong on that pedestal.
Sources used:
5000 metres – Wikipedia
Before the Marathon, Greeks Ran Track | Runner’s World (runnersworld.com)
Dolichos (race) – Wikipedia
Foot Locker Cross Country (footlockercc.com)
Race Distances for Running Events | RaceRaves
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