the 10,000 metres at the summer olympics is the longest track running event held at the multi-sport event. the men's 10,000 m has been present on the olympic athletics programme since 1912. the women's event was added to the programme over seventy years later, at the 1988 olympics. it is the most prestigious 10,000 m race at elite level. the competition format is a straight final between around 30 athletes, although prior to 2004 a qualifying round was held.