ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

3000 metres steeplechase

The 3000 metres steeplechase is a running race where athletes have to run a distance of 3000 meters while jumping over barriers and wading through water.

Imagine you are playing a game where you have to run as fast as you can from one end of a big field to the other. But, there are some obstacles in your way that you have to jump over to reach the finish line. These obstacles are like little walls, a bit taller than you, that you need to jump over.

Now, picture that this field has some puddles of water on it. When you come across those puddles, you have to run through them and get your feet wet. But don't worry, it's all part of the game!

So, in the 3000 meters steeplechase, the athletes start at one end of the field and they have to run around a track that measures 3000 meters in total. But instead of just running around the track, they also have to jump over 28 barriers called hurdles that are set up around the track. These hurdles are about as tall as a short table. The athletes have to jump over the hurdles to keep going forward in the race.

But that's not all. In addition to the hurdles, there are also four big water pits along the track. These pits are filled with water, and the athletes have to jump into them and then get out on the other side. It's like wading through a little pool of water. They might get their clothes wet, but it's all part of the race.

The athletes have to be really fit and agile to do this race because they have to run fast, jump over the hurdles, and wade through the water pits without stopping. It's like a combination of running, jumping, and splashing!

The first athlete to cross the finish line after completing the 3000 meters, jumping over all the hurdles, and wading through the water pits wins the race. They deserve a big round of applause for their amazing skills and endurance!

So, the 3000 meters steeplechase is a fun and challenging running race where athletes have to run, jump over hurdles, and splash through water pits to reach the finish line. It's like a big obstacle course for grown-up athletes!