500 metres

The 500 metres is an uncommon middle-distance running event in track and field and road running competitions.

All-time top 25

 * i = indoor performance
 * OT = oversized track (exceeding 200m in circumference)
 * A = affected by altitude
 * h = hand timing

Men

 * Correct as of December 2022.

Times rejected

 * Roddie Haley ran 59.82 in Oklahoma City on 15 March 1986, but this time was rejected as a record due to an incorrectly measured track. Haley also ran a 59.90  in Oklahoma City on 14 March 1987, but this time was rejected as a record for the same reason.

Women

 * Correct as of February 2023.