The 3000m steeplechase includes 28 barrier jumps and 7 water jumps. Barriers are 91.4 cm high for men and 76.2 cm for women and do not fall over, so athletes either hurdle them or step on them. At the water jump, runners step on the barrier and push off to land in the shallower part of the pit.
Race facts
| Feature | Standard |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3000 m (2000 m for some youth events) |
| Barriers per race | 28 plus 7 water jumps |
| Barrier height | 91.4 cm men, 76.2 cm women |
| Water pit | 3.66 m long, sloping from about 50 cm deep |
| Laps | About 7 full laps plus a shorter start section |
Technique and training
- Hurdle barriers when fresh; step on them when tired or in traffic.
- At the water jump, plant a foot on the barrier and drive forward and out.
- Land on one foot and run out of the water quickly.
- Practise hurdle drills weekly for mobility.
- Run race-pace intervals over barriers.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or qualified professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have an injury or health condition.
Rules reference: World Athletics Book of Rules (Competition and Technical Rules). High school (NFHS) and college (NCAA) competitions have their own rulebooks with some differences.
Frequently asked questions
Can steeplechase barriers fall over?
No. They are fixed and heavy, so athletes must clear or step on them.
Is stepping on the barrier allowed?
Yes. Athletes may clear the barrier in any way, including stepping on it.
Why is it called the steeplechase?
It comes from cross-country races in Britain that ran between church steeples.
