steeplechase

Steeplechase is a kind of horse race in which horses with riders race through a course that includes obstacles like hedges, hurdles, and water-filled ditches.

There is also a non-equestrian event (for humans, not horses) that’s also called the steeplechase. This steeplechase takes its name from the horse race, but it’s a track-and-field event that consists of a race around a track featuring hurdles, barriers, and water pits. This is an event at the Summer Olympic Games, where the race length is 3,000 meters.

A competitor in either version of steeplechase can be called a steeplechaser.

Example: Whether you’re a horse or a human, you have to be incredibly athletic to compete in the steeplechase.

The first records of the word steeplechase in reference to the horse race come from the late 1700s. The event is thought to have originated in Ireland. The name steeplechase comes from the fact that these horse races were originally held on countrysides and used churches (which are known for having steeples) to mark the end of the race or as a landmark for riders (who would “chase the steeple”).

The first records of the use of steeplechase to refer to the track-and-field event come from the 1850s. It takes its name from the horse racing event. The modern track-and-field steeplechase event traces its origin to an 1850 race at Oxford University in which cross country runners ran a course that included natural ditches, water traps, and fences. This form of the steeplechase was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1900. The 3,000-meter track became standard in 1920.

What are some other forms related to steeplechase?

• steeplechaser (noun)
• steeplechasing (continuous tense verb, noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with steeplechase? 

• steeple
• chase

What are some words that often get used in discussing steeplechase?

• equestrian
• horse
• track and field
• race
• track
• hurdle
• obstacle
• water
• ditch
• hedge

The name steeplechase is most commonly associated with the equestrian event. The track-and-field steeplechase is best known as an Olympic event.

Colms Dream & Donagh Meyler on their way to winning the TRI Equestrian Handicap Steeplechase at Leopardstown! pic.twitter.com/Ew6oRoN0h6

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) February 29, 2016

3 American women (@emmajcoburn @steph_steeples @steeple_squigs) will run the #Beijing2015 steeplechase final!

— FloTrack (@FloTrack) August 24, 2015

Can someone pls explain to me what tf the Steeplechase event at the olympics is about? Are we pretending to be a horses or did I miss something?

— gabby (@gabbyolker) July 15, 2021

Which of the following is NOT an obstacle in the track-and-field steeplechase?

A. water trap
B. hurdle
C. barrier
D. 10-foot wall