A barrier that runners must jump over during certain track events, typically 42 inches high for men and 33 inches for women. As a verb, it means to jump over obstacles while running.
From Old English 'hyrdel' meaning 'frame of interwoven twigs,' related to 'herd' (a barrier to contain animals). The athletic meaning developed in the 1800s when these portable barriers became standardized for racing.
Hurdlers don't actually 'jump' over hurdles—they run over them! The technique involves leading with one leg extended forward while the trail leg kicks out to the side, maintaining running rhythm rather than breaking it with a traditional jump.
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