The race started at 07:05h local time to avoid excessively hot and humid conditions.

[1] A total number of 111 athletes completed the race, with an injured and limping Abdul Baser Wasiqi from Afghanistan finishing in last position in 4:24:17.

The event was won by Josia Thugwane of South Africa, the nation's first victory in the Olympic men's marathon since 1912.

It was the closest finish in Olympic history but Thugwane maintained his lead in the last mile to take the gold medal in 2:12:36.

"[4] Afghanistan, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Mauritius, Moldova, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen each made their first appearance in Olympic men's marathons.

The marathon distance of 26 miles, 385 yards was run over an out-and-back route starting and finishing at the Olympic Stadium.

The following national records were established during the competition: The Olympic marathon, usually scheduled for afternoons or evenings at the Games' last day, began early in the morning in 1996 due to the anticipated heat and humidity of summer in Atlanta.