A steeplechase race covers 3,000 meters (1.86 miles). Runners must contend with five barriers per lap (30-inches high for women). These sturdy barriers don’t fall like hurdles, which allows some competitors to land on the barrier instead of hurdling over them. One barrier fronts a water jump 12 feet in length. The pit is nearly 28 inches deep near the barrier and slopes back up toward the track.