Steeplechase is a track event in athletics that involves athletes racing on a course with obstacles. The event originated in Ireland, where horses and riders raced from one towns steeple to the next, and the steeples were used as markers due to their visibility over long distances). The modern version of the sport originated from a cross-country steeplechase, and it was made a track event with fixed barriers and pits replacing natural obstacles. The foremost version of the event is the 3000 meters steeplechase, which is defined in the rulebook as having 28 barriers and seven water jumps). The 2000 meters steeplechase is the next most common distance, and in youth athletics, a distance of 1000 meters is occasionally used for steeplechase races). The steeplechase for women is 3,000 meters long, but with lower barriers than for the men).
Steeplechase is not a regular hurdles race, as it uses large barriers that span several lanes, while hurdles take up just one lane and fall down when theyre hit. The water jump obstacles are either placed outside the turn or inside of the turn, and athletes are not required to maintain any lanes during the race. 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. The height of each barrier is 36 inches in the men’s event and 30 inches in the women’s.
Steeplechase is a challenging and entertaining event that breaks up some of the monotony of a long-distance race. It has been a part of Olympic Games since the first modern Olympics in 1924 and is also a part of all major track and field competitions, including the World Championships. The event has been dominated by athletes from Kenya who have won the Olympic gold medal since 1984.
