Track and field A steeplechase event was held on a track for the 1879 English championships and the 1900 Summer Olympics featured men's 2500 m and 4000 m steeplechase races. The event was held over various distances until the 1920 Summer Olympics marked the rise of the 3000 metres steeplechase as the standard event. The IAAF set the standards of the event in 1954, and the event is held on a 400 m circuit that includes a water jump on each lap. Despite the long history of men's steeplechase in track and field, the women's steeplechase only gained World Championship status in 2005,
Athletics at the 1908 Summer Olympics – Men's 3200 metres steeplechase These were the standing world and Olympic records (in minutes) prior to the 1908 Summer Olympics. "(*)" The distance of this race was 2500 metres and the track was 500 metres in circumference. "(**)" The distance of this race was 2590 metres and the track was 536.45 metres= mile in circumference. All first round heats were held on Friday, July 17, 1908. Heat 1 Russell won easily, with Cartasegna being the only other competitor to finish. Downing was disqualified for incorrectly clearing the first water jump, Ragueneau retired on the second lap, and Carr injured his ankle. Heat 2 Eisele