Running Beginners How Far Is 3000 Meters? By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 26, 2020 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Print Jordan Siemens / Getty Images A distance of 3,000 meters is approximately 1.86 miles or 3 kilometers. The 3,000-meter run is a middle-distance track event in track and field competitions. It is also a distance sometimes offered for charity walks and fun runs. In 1984, 1988, and 1992, the 3,000-meter was an Olympic event for women; in 1996, the event was changed to a 5,000-meter run (already an Olympic event for men). The 3,000-meter steeplechase is still an Olympic event. Competitors must navigate five barriers, including a water jump. 3,000-Meter Track Runs Most competitive 3,000-meter races are run on a track; it's not common to find 3K road races. A lap of most running tracks is equal to 400 meters, so it would take 7.5 laps to equal 3,000 meters. Some American high schools actually feature the 2-mile race (eight laps of the track) in their track and field competitions, rather than the 3,000-meter race. 3,000 Meter Times Men's World Record: 7:20:67Women's World Record: 8:06:11Elite Men: 8 minutes or fasterElite Women: 9 minutes or fasterRacewalkers: 15 minutesBrisk Walk: 25 minutes Training Schedules for the 3,000-Meter Event If you'd like to improve your time in the 3,000-meter event or you're hoping to build up to running 3,000 meters without stopping, here are some training programs and tips. Although these schedules and tips are for different distances—including 1 mile, 2 miles, and 5K—they can still help you improve your 3000-meter times. 4-Week Beginner Program to Run Two Miles: This four-week training program is designed for total beginner run/walkers who want to build up to running 2 miles. This program is a run/walk to a continuous running program. Each week, you'll make a slight increase to your running distance and a decrease in your walking distance. By the end of four weeks, you'll be able to run 2 miles without stopping. Tips for Running a Mile Without Stopping: If you're trying to run without taking a walk break or feeling like you need to stop completely, it's helpful to start by trying to run without stopping for a mile. How to Run a Faster Mile: Whether you're a high school track athlete, beginner runner, or a masters runner, you can make some small changes to improve your pace. How Experienced Runners Can Improve Their 5K Time: To take your racing to the next level and improve your race times, you may have to make some changes to your training. By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit