hurdles

The first records of the 400 m hurdles date back to 1860, in Oxford, England, a corresponding competition was reported. In this event, 12 massive wooden hurdles (over 1 m high) had to be overcome, which were distributed at regular intervals along the running course.

The hurdle race is a forced race, as the running rhythm cannot be chosen individually due to the specified distances and heights of the hurdles. Championship competitions are the short (100m or 110m) and the long 400m hurdle sprint. In the hall, the hurdle distance is 60 m. During the run, 10 hurdles must be run over, regardless of the respective running distance.

It is important for the running technique that the hurdles are run over and not jumped over. A rhythm that is as even as possible must be maintained between the individual hurdles. In the 100 and 110 m hurdles, the intermediate hurdle sprint consists of 3 steps between the hurdles. In the men's 400 m hurdles, a 13-15 rhythm is run, for women a 15-17 rhythm.

The 400-meter hurdles has been part of the Olympic Games for men since 1900 and for women since 1984. In 1900 and 1904 there was also a 200 meter hurdles at the Olympic Games. Hurdling is also a part of the all-around.