The men's 10,000 metres event featured at the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. There were a total number of 36 participating athletes, with two qualifying heats and the final being held on 22 August 1993.
Defending champion Moses Tanui moved out to the front early, controlling the pace. His progress was marked by World Junior Champion Haile Gebrselassie. The field strung out behind them, one by one dropping off the back. With nine laps to go, the last to drop off was Richard Chelimo, then it was just the two. Tanui was unable to shake the youngster. Coming into the bell, Gebresalassie moved closer to Tanui accidentally stepping on his heel. Tanui's shoe flew off. With just one shoe, an angered Tanui sprinted out to a quick 5-meter lead, expanding to a 10-meter lead with 200 to go. Through the final turn, Gebresalassie began to gain. As they onto the final straight, Tanui went wide, straining to sprint to the finish. Gebresalassie accepted the opening, sprinting past Tanui on the inside and on to a 5-meter victory.
This was the changing of the guard as Gebresalassie would go on to win the next three world championships and two Olympics.