The men's 5000 metres event was part of the track and field athletics programme at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

Thirty-eight runners from 16 nations competed.

First four semifinals were held of 9 to 10 runners with the top four in each heat advancing.

The final race was then held the next day with 16 competitors.

[2] These were the standing world and Olympic records (in minutes) prior to the 1920 Summer Olympics.