5000 metres
Encyclopedia : 5 : 50 : 500 : 5000 metres
5000 metres, a popular running distance also known as a 5 km, colloquially "five-K" (equal to 3.12 miles). This distance is typical for all types of running races; from cross-country, to the road, to the track. It is contested on the track in the Olympic Games. The 5 km is held off the track with cross-country or road racing, whereas the 5000 meters is held on the track. Even though this is the same distance, runners generally separate the names to decipher between the two.
Much of the distance's popularity is due to the challenge it offers to both novices and accomplished professionals. It is a distance race that demands a great deal of endurance as well as speed. Tactics are also a key role, and the combination makes it attractive to many.
The world record for men is 12:37.35 set by Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele. The women's record is 14:24.68 set by Ethiopian born Turkish runner Elvan Abeylegesse. On 3 June 2006 this time was beat by Ethiopian Meseret Defar, who ran in 14:24.53 in New York. The new world record is currently subject to ratification["Meseret Defar runs 5000m World Record in New York - 14:24.53"] by Parker Morse, IAAF, June 3, 2006, retrieved June 4, 2006
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