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Introduced into the Olympics in 1900, The World Championships in 1983, The European Championships 1938 and The Commonwealth Games in 1930. In the Olympics of 1900 it was run over the distance of 2.500 km, 1904 2.590 km, 1908 3.200 km, and in 1932 3,460 km. In the Commonwealth Games 1930 it was run over the distance of One mile 1660 yards (3127.248 metres) and in 1934 Two miles (3218.688 metres).
The record times for the championships are listed below along with the World record progression.
In the world record progression only records that have been ratified by the IAAF or are awaiting ratification have been used.
All other records that have not been ratified or have been removed for whatever reason have not been included.
* = Equalled world record
# = Hand timed
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| Julius Kariuki | 8.05.51 |  | 30-9-1988 | Seoul |
| Ezekiel Kemboi | 8.00.43 | | 18-8-2009 | Berlin |
| Francesco Panetta | 8.12.66 |  | 30-8-1990 | Split |
| Johnstone Kipkoech | 8.14.72 | | 23-8-1994 | Victoria |
