The steeplechase (most commonly 3,000 meters) is an event where the athletes race around the track 7.5 times while jumping over hurdles as well as bodies of water. They jump over 28 hurdles and 7 water obstacles.
It challenges athletes with how far they can run and how they can jump and clear over hurdles. The water jump challenges athletes to jump over a 12-foot obstacle into a pit of water, making the race more difficult. Training involves running for great distances and working on jumping, clearing over hurdles, and maintaining speed. The 3000m steeplechase is mentally difficult because athletes have to run fast with obstacles. Runners use their endurance in order to complete the race and their power and speed in jumping over the hurdles. This event is particularly difficult because of the combination of running and skill.
