The results of the event determined qualification for the American Olympic team at the 2004 Summer Olympics, held in Athens. Provided they had achieved the Olympic "A" standard,[1] the top three athletes gained a place on the Olympic team. In the event that a leading athlete did not hold an "A" standard, or an athlete withdrew, the next highest finishing athlete with an "A" standard was selected instead.
a As winner Meb Keflezighi chose not to compete in the 10,000 metres event at the Olympics, 22nd placed Dathan Ritzenhein, who had the "A" standard of 27:49.00 from a previous race, was included in the Olympic team.