Steeplechase is a track event in the track and field discipline that involves athletes racing on a course with obstacles. The event is named after the steeplechase in horse racing, which originated from a cross-country steeplechase race. The foremost version of the event is the 3000 meters steeplechase, and the 2000 meters steeplechase is the next most common distance). In youth athletics, a distance of 1000 meters is occasionally used for steeplechase races). The steeplechase is the longest track event with obstacles held at the multi-sport event, and it has been present on the Olympic athletics program since 1920. The womens event is the most recent addition to the program, having been added at the 2008 Olympics.
In a steeplechase race, runners are required to vault over all barriers and water jumps, and failure to do so results in disqualification. A typical steeplechase race is for a distance of 3000 meters, and the course consists of 28 barriers and 7 water jumps. The barriers used for women are slightly smaller than those used for men. The height of each barrier is 36 inches in the mens event and 30 inches in the womens. The barriers in steeplechase are wider and more stable than those in hurdle races in track and field, and athletes can step on the barriers.
Steeplechase is a challenging and intense event that requires strength, endurance, and superior agility. It is not as well-known as many other track races, but it is an exciting event that breaks up some of the monotony of a long-distance race. Unlike some other track events, the steeplechase does not require athletes to maintain any lanes during the race.
In summary, steeplechase is a track event that involves athletes racing on a course with obstacles. The foremost version of the event is the 3000 meters steeplechase, and the womens event was added to the Olympic athletics program in 2008. Runners are required to vault over all barriers and water jumps, and failure to do so results in disqualification. The event is challenging and requires strength, endurance, and superior agility.
