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Shorter-distance steeple races aid developmentFebruary 2, 2008
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Safe clearance of steeplechase barriers requires speed similar to same-height clearances in a 400m hurdle race.
But that 400m race has only 10 hurdles, each weighing about 10 percent of a steeple hurdle. Its eight runners enjoy individual lanes and pacing to clear those hurdles.
A 3000m steeplechase requires clearing 35 barriers, each about the width of three lanes, on which groups of runners may converge. Speed can offset crowding.
Steeplers can be developed to meet the event’s physical demands by starting with shorter races and fewer hurdles.
The USA federation rulebook has for decades included three steeple distances: 1500m (16 hurdles), 2000m (23 hurdles) and 3000m (35 hurdles). All provide for running about a half-lap of the 400m track before athletes encounter their first hurdle. On-track layout details can be seen at:
http://www.steeplechics.com/facequip.php?drawing=3&print=1
Further, 1000m steeple races (10 hurdles) have been held on three different continents. See photo above.
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