Sydney 2000, Olympic Games
5000m
Athletics
The 5k


Regina Jacobs, First in 5000m, Opts Out
Jacobs to run 1500m only in Sydney
by Carol Goodrow
Olympic Photos by Matthew Linde, RW
Race for the Cure Photos by Carol Goodrow, KR


The 5000m is a long distance race.

5000 meters is equal to 3.1 miles.

A 5000m race, or 5k, is one of the most popular distances for road races in the U.S.
It's often the 'first race' run by new adult runners.
Goucher, Hauser and Rogers will run in Sydney. Jacobs (to run the 1500) and Drossin (to run the 10,000) will be replaced by Amy Rudolph (pictured on left) (#4) and Anne Marie Lauck (#5).


Adam Goucher edges out Brad Hauser for the win.
Photo Matthew Linde, RW

Finals, Top 5 Finishers, July 2000
MaleTimeFemale Time
Adam Goucher13:27.06Regina Jacobs14:45.35
Brad Hauser13:27.31Deena Drossin15:11.55
Nick Rogers13:29.45Elva Dryer15:12.07
Matt Lane13:37.03Amy Rudolph15:21.16
Mark Davis13:39.88Anne Marie Lauck15:23.71


One of the most frequent questions we receive at kidsrunning.com is, "Should my child run a 5k?" We usually answer, "No and yes."

Track 5000m races are not scheduled into young kids' races in the U.S. However the 5k road race is one of the most popular and available races around. Our coaching staff will generally say 5k's are not really recommended for young kids, but we do say they are okay on an occasional basis if approached as a fun run.

We really hope that there will be more short distance (100m - 2mile) quality kids' races available as time goes on.


Vermont Komen Race for the Cure 5k

Cake Decorating to Raise Funds for the Race for the Cure, Mother Myrick's Ice Cream Parlor, Manchester, VT
These young bakers will also run the short distance kids' steeplechases on the day of the race.


Did you know? It wasn't until the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 that women had a 5000m race to compete in at the Olympics.

Recommended Reading: Olympics by Chris Oxlade and David Ballheimer, Dorling Kindersley
Olympics is an Eyewitness Book with lots of photos, facts, and information. This book will appeal to kids and adults alike. It would be a great volume to add to any classroom collection. I have it in mine.

Kids, don't be afraid to start off as a sprinter. As you get older you can decide what your best event will be.
Have fun! Be a reporter and send in your own news flash to carol.kids@rodale.com. We would love to hear from you!

Email us with comments on the news.