The men's 3,200 metres steeplechase was held for the only time at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.

24 runners from 6 nations competed; eleven from Great Britain, eight from the United States, two from Canada, two from France, one from Hungary, and one from Italy.

Downing was disqualified for incorrectly clearing the first water jump, while Ragueneau dropped out on the second lap and Carr injured his ankle.

Eisele was the only one to finish: de Fleurac led early, but was caught before the water jump and pulled up lame, while English fell and Lovas and Buckley dropped out trying to keep the pace.

After the bell, Robertson passed Eisele and nearly caught Russell, trailing by only two yards when the two crossed the finish line.