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Hurdles in athletics

The various hurdles races require participants to attempt to clear the horizontal barriers in the quickest time possible. The 100 metre, 110 metre, and 400 metre hurdles races all use ten barriers. However, they do have different heights.

Stage one

  • Run with controlled speed at the hurdle.
  • As you approach the hurdle, drive up your rear leg up and forwards.
  • At the same time, raise your front knee up and extend the leg parallel to the floor.
  • As you pass over the hurdle, thrust your front leg over the barrier.
  • At the same time, pull your rear leg up at the knee and turn the foot outward.

Stage two

  • As you clear over the hurdle bring your back foot into your bottom and swing the leg round and forwards.
  • Drive your front leg downwards towards the track and on impact, swing your opposite arm backwards to pull the trail leg forwards.
  • Sprint away from the hurdle.

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