The 3000 metres is a popular amateur middle distance track event (colloquially known as "3k") where 7.5 laps are completed around a 400 metre track. This event is generally classified as middle distance, but it could be classed as a long distance event in many high schools, since they do not promote races such as the 5000 and 10,000 metres. The 3000 m is often seen as a transitionary point to long distance; an event where both middle and long distance runners can succeed and where an emphasis is put on balancing middle distance speed with long distance endurance. Usually in American high schools a 3200 metres race is used rather than a 3000 metres, as 3200 metres is 1.988 miles and is frequently referred to as the "two-mile."

In men's athletics, 3000 metres has never been an Olympic discipline, nor has it been contested at any of the IAAF-organized championships. On the European professional circuit, the 3000 metres is run less frequently than other distance events, such as the 5000 m and 3000 m steeplechase, but it is still a fairly oft-run and prestigious event at the athletics meetings.