5,000 metres, Men

The altitude of Ciudad de México affected all the distance running events in 1968. And in this event the three medalists all came from Africa, having grown up at altitude, and six of the top eight finishers had grown up at altitude. The favorite was Kip Keino, the 1966 Commonwealth Games champion, but he was expected to be challenged by Australia’s Ron Clarke, a great racer against the clock, who had set four world records at the distance from 1965-66, but one who had difficulty winning in major meets. Keino took the lead early and held it throughout most of the race, with Clarke taking over shortly before 4K. But Tunisia’s Mohammed Gamnoudi took the lead with two laps remaining and held off challenges from Keino and Naftali Temu, Kenyan winner of the 1968 10K. Clarke did not finish well and was never a factor for a medal.