Track Hurdle Types

Runners who compete in hurdling must have the speed of a sprinter and the jumping ability to clear hurdles. These types of hurdle races are differentiated by the distance of the track as well as the height of the hurdle.

  1. Distances

    • The two types of hurdle races are sprint hurdles and long hurdles. The standard sprint hurdle race is 110 meters for men and 100 meters for women. The standard long hurdle race is 400 meters for both men and women. Each one of these events contains 10 hurdles. Sometimes, indoor races are run at different distances. For example, indoor sprint hurdle races are run at 60, 55 or 50 meters. These shorter races contain five or fewer hurdles.

    Heights

    • Most standard hurdles can be adjusted to five heights. The highest position is 42 inches and referred to as a "high" hurdle and sometimes "college high" hurdle. This hurdle height is used in men's sprint hurdle races. The next highest position -- the "high school high" hurdle -- is 39 inches. This position is used by high school and youth boys. The middle position -- the "intermediate" hurdle -- is used in men's long hurdle races and some youth and masters age positions. The next position is called the "women's high" hurdle. This hurdle height is used in women's sprint hurdle races. The lowest position -- the "low" hurdle -- is 30 inches and used for women's long hurdle races as well as youth and masters races.

    Placement

    • Hurdle placement depends on the length of the race and sex of the contestants. For standard events, 10 hurdles are used in the 100-meter, 110-meter and 400-meter hurdle races. There are 9.14 meters between hurdles in the men's 110-meter hurdle race and 8.5 meters between hurdles in the 100-meter hurdle race. The same setup is used for youth and masters races.

    Penalization and Disqualification

    • Contestants must jump over and clear the hurdle bar with both feet. They aren't disqualified if hurdles are knocked down accidentally but are penalized if hurdles are knocked down deliberately. The referee determines whether the hurdle was knocked down deliberately or accidentally. Disqualification can occur if a contestant changes lanes or obstructs another athlete.