How many hurdles and water jumps are used in an Olympic 3,000-metre steeplechase?

An Olympic 3,000-metre steeplechase uses 28 hurdles and 7 water jumps.

Together, the barriers create 35 obstacle crossings during the race. The water jump is counted as a hurdle passage, but it has a landing area filled with water beyond a fixed barrier. Athletes may clear each obstacle or step over it, although elite runners generally use efficient hurdling technique.

The race consists of 7 complete water jumps and 28 ordinary hurdle passages. Because the first lap begins before the full obstacle pattern is established, the exact arrangement requires careful officiating. The barriers are substantially more rigid than those used in ordinary hurdle races.

The steeplechase originated from distance races inspired by cross-country riding and hunting. Its Olympic form is now a standardized 3,000-metre event for both men and women, although the women’s event joined the Olympics much later than the men’s.