Hürdenläufen

Hürdenläufen, or hurdle races, are a track and field discipline that involves running a set distance while leaping over a series of obstacles. The races are contested on a straight section of a standard athletics track. The height of the hurdles and the number of hurdles vary depending on the age and gender of the competitors, as well as the specific event.

The primary goal in a hurdle race is to maintain as much speed as possible while clearing each hurdle efficiently. Athletes develop a specific technique for approaching, clearing, and landing after each hurdle. This technique aims to minimize the time spent in the air and the disruption to their running stride. Failing to clear a hurdle correctly, or knocking it over in a way that impedes another runner, can result in disqualification.

Common hurdle distances include 100 meters for women and 110 meters for men, often referred to as sprint hurdles. Longer distances, such as 400 meters hurdles, are also popular. In these longer races, athletes must manage their energy and stride pattern over a greater number of obstacles. The athletic skills required for hurdle racing include speed, agility, coordination, and rhythm. Competitors train extensively to perfect their hurdling technique and build the necessary physical conditioning.