<P> The 5000 metres or 5000 - meter run ( approximately 3.1 mi or 16,404 ft ) is a common long - distance running event in track and field . It is one of the track events in the Olympic Games and the World Championships in Athletics , run over 12.5 laps of a standard track . The same distance in road running is called a 5K run . The 5000 m has been present on the Olympic programme since 1912 for men and since 1996 for women . Prior to 1996 , women had competed in an Olympic 3000 metres race since 1984 . The 5000 m has been held at each of the World Championships in Athletics in men 's competition and since 1995 in women 's . </P>
<P> The 5000 metres or 5000 - meter run ( approximately 3.1 mi or 16,404 ft ) is a common long - distance running event in track and field . It is one of the track events in the Olympic Games and the World Championships in Athletics , run over 12.5 laps of a standard track . The same distance in road running is called a 5K run . The 5000 m has been present on the Olympic programme since 1912 for men and since 1996 for women . Prior to 1996 , women had competed in an Olympic 3000 metres race since 1984 . The 5000 m has been held at each of the World Championships in Athletics in men 's competition and since 1995 in women 's . </P>
how many laps around the track is 5000 m
how many laps around the track is 5000 m
12.5
12.5