The men's 5000 metres event at the 2020 Summer Olympics took place on 3 and 6 August 2021 at the Japan National Stadium.

After setting the world record in what was practically a time trial in 2020, Joshua Cheptegei was the clear favorite.

A further potential contendor was the find of the season, Mohamed Katir, who ran historic times in the 1500, 3000 and 5000 in the lead-up to the Olympics.

Cheptegei dropped back a few places while Chelimo took Kiplimo seriously and moved into marking position just ahead of Mengesha.

The lead group of Kiplimo, Chelimo, Mengesha, Nicholas Kimeli and Cheptegei stayed in order for four laps, while the rest of the field was in single file behind them.

Half way through the race, Kiplimo's pace slowed slightly and Cheptegei moved back up to the front to keep pushing.

After another lap, the pack began to bunch up again, half the field moving into lane 2 to have room to maneuver, Kimeli immediately to Cheptegei's right side.

The lead group was down to 9, the runners packed so tight there was some jostling and pushing, Chelimo losing his balance but staying on his feet.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the period was suspended from 6 April 2020 to 30 November 2020, with the end date extended to 29 June 2021.