The event was won by Archie Hahn of the United States, completing his sprint trifecta (having already won the 60 metres and 200 metres) and marking the third straight gold medal in the event by an American.

Hahn would later repeat his win in the now-unofficial 1906 Intercalated Games.

Hungary was the only other country, aside from the host, to send a runner; this made the United States and Hungary the only two nations to have appeared at each of the first three Olympic men's 100 metres events.

With fewer entrants than in 1900, the event was reduced from four rounds to two: heats and a final.

Hahn opened quickly, reaching a sizable lead within the first 20 metres.