While the 1,500 meters takes three-and-three-quarter laps of a standard 400-meter track, the mile is run in just a shade more than four laps. The symmetry of the four laps makes the mile easy to follow, and is particularly useful when watching elite runners capable of challenging the four-minute mile.
Runners, as they were apparently wont to do, would often race each other from one town's church steeple to the next. The steeples were chosen because they were easy to see from long distances, leading to the name "steeplechase."
Simply put, the steeplechase is a 3,000-meter obstacle race with four barriers, or hurdles, and a water pit. Everyone loves a train wreck, and the water pit is just that. People flock to it when a race starts, hoping to witness a few good crashes.
Rules of the GameCompetitors must clear 28 fixed barriers and seven water jumps during a steeplechase race, which means four hurdles and one water jump per lap. The men's barriers are 91.4cm (36in) high, while the women'sare 76.2cm (30in). The water pit is 3.66m (12ft) long and 70cm at its deepest point.
Like the 400 meter hurdles, the steeplechase requires a great deal of well-rounded athleticism and a unique blend of multiple talents. The strongest steeplechasers not only possess the perfect combination of speed and endurance, but also a bit more coordination and balance than the average distance runner.
As long as both legs clear each hurdle, runners can step or swing their legs over while vaulting with their hands.
Ieuan Thomas' top tips for steeplechase beginners
- Learn to look for the barrier. This sounds simple, but it's your number one rule.
- Learn to use both legs. Every athlete has a favoured lead leg, but you really do need to learn to be ambidextrous.
- Accelerate.
- Forward lean.
- Perfect your leg position.
- Work on your landing.
- Develop flexibility.
- Build in drills.
The steeplechase at the Summer Olympics has been held over several distances and is the longest track event with obstacles held at the multi-sport event. The men's 3000 metres steeplechase has been present on the Olympic athletics programme since 1920. It is the most prestigious steeplechase track race at elite level.
The men's world record is 7:20.67 set by Daniel Komen of Kenya in 1996. Komen also holds the world indoor mark with 7:24.90 minutes set in 1998. The women's world record is 8:06.11 set by Wang Junxia of China in 1993. The world indoor women's record is 8:16.60 minutes, set by Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba in 2014.
Athletes in a 3000m steeple race will not face H3, H4, or H5 during their first half lap of running. Their first jump is H1 and they will face five jumps, including the water, in each of seven complete "steeple laps" or a total of 35 jumps in the race.
The steeplechase is a unique event in Track and Field in that it combines endurance, speed, and agility into one frenzied, athletic competition. Steeplechasers must be tough mentally and physically, finding the strength and determination to race over the hurdles despite intense fatigue.
Field Events in Athletics: Types, rules & fun facts
- Shot Put. In the shot put, you throw a heavy spherical object called the shot (it resembles a cannonball).
- World Record for shot put.
- Hammer Throw.
- World Records for Hammer Throw.
- Discus Throw.
- Javelin Throw.
- Javelin Throw Rules.
- Long Jump.
In international competitions, middle-distance races include the 800 metres, the 1,500 metres (the metric mile), and the 3,000 metres (a steeplechase event for men, but a regular run for women).
A steeplechase is a distance horse race in which competitors are required to jump diverse fence and ditch obstacles. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, it refers only to races run over large, fixed obstacles, in contrast to "hurdle" races where the obstacles are much smaller.
A pacemaker or pacesetter, sometimes informally called a rabbit, is a runner who leads a middle- or long-distance running event for the first section to ensure a fast time and avoid excessive tactical racing. Pacemakers serve the role of conveying tangible information about pacing on the track during a race.
