The 3000 metres or 3000-metre run is a track running event, also commonly known as the "3K" or "3K run", where 7.5 laps are run around an outdoor 400Â m track, or 15 laps around a 200Â m indoor track.
It is debated whether the 3000 m should be classified as a middle-distance or long-distance event. In elite-level competition, 3000Â m pace is more comparable to the pace found in the longer 5000Â metres event, rather than mile pace. The men's world record performance for 3000Â m equates to a pace of 58.34Â seconds per 400Â m, which is closer to the 60.43Â seconds for 5000Â m than the 55.46Â seconds for the mile. However, the 3000Â m does require some anaerobic conditioning, and an elite athlete needs to develop a high tolerance to lactic acid, as does the mile runner. Thus, the 3000Â m demands a balance of aerobic endurance needed for the 5000Â m and lactic acid tolerance needed for the mile.