The men's 5000 metres event was part of the track and field athletics programme at the 1924 Summer Olympics.

38 long-distance runners from 21 nations competed.

In the final Paavo Nurmi set a new Olympic record with 14:31.2 minutes.

All semi-finals were held on Tuesday, July 8, 1924.

Nurmi had to improve the standing Olympic record to win the gold medal with Ritola only two tenths behind.