Barrier clearance in the 3000m steeplechase

One of the goals for steeplechase athletes is to minimize the loss of running speed while hurdling the barriers. Many coaches believe this can be accomplished by accelerating during the approach and minimizing jump height while still safely clearing the barrier [1]. Men should take off between 1.2 and 1.5 meters before the barrier. The landing should be around 1 meter past the barrier [2]. These values differ for women due in part to slower running speeds and lower barrier heights [3]. It has also been suggested that body clearance of 3 to 6 cm, keeping the lead leg slightly bent and leaning forward with the trunk at the point of hurdle clearance will help decrease time spent over the hurdle [1].