[1] Albin Lermusiaux of France led for most of the race, but was caught by Edwin Flack and Arthur Blake 100 meters from the finish.

Albin Lermusiaux of France had held the unofficial world record for two weeks in 1895; the two men who had broken his record since then were not present in Athens.

Arthur Blake of the United States and Edwin Flack of Australia were also significant distance runners competing.

The track had very sharp turns and was made of loose cinders, making running difficult.

[2] Edwin Flack set the initial Olympic record of 4:33.2 in the only race held.