The men's 800 metres race was the second-longest of the four flat-track events on the Athletics at the 1896 Summer Olympics programme.

The top two athletes in each heat advanced to the final, which was held on 9 April.

The unofficial world record holder: Charles Kilpatrick of the United States, did not compete in Athens.

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

Flack beat Dáni by four feet, with Traun a further 20 yards behind in third.