The spelling of the word "hurdle race" can be explained through its phonetic transcription in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /ˈhɜːrdl reɪs/. The symbol /h/ represents the initial aspirated h-sound, while /ɜː/ represents the vowel sound in words like "herd" and "bird". The /d/ sound is then followed by the voiceless alveolar fricative /l/ sound in the second syllable, and the final syllable /reɪs/ is pronounced with the diphthong /eɪ/ representing the "ay" sound in "ray".
A hurdle race is an athletic track and field event in which participants compete by running over a series of hurdles placed along the course. The objective of the race is to complete the course in the shortest possible time while successfully clearing each hurdle without knocking it down.
Hurdles are usually made of lightweight materials such as wood or plastic and are set at a fixed height that varies depending on the age and gender of the participants. The standard heights for men's hurdles are 1.067 meters (42 inches) and 0.914 meters (36 inches) for women. The number of hurdles in a race also varies depending on the distance being contested, with shorter races having fewer hurdles.
Hurdle races require a combination of speed, agility, and technique. Athletes must have excellent running form, generating enough power and speed to clear each hurdle efficiently while maintaining momentum. They must also display proper technique, using their lead leg to jump over the hurdle followed by smoothly bringing their trail leg over. Additionally, athletes need to maintain balance and rhythm throughout the race to avoid tripping or losing speed.
Hurdle races are a popular and exciting event in both professional and amateur athletics. They test an individual's ability to navigate barriers while maintaining speed, making them a challenging and thrilling spectacle for both participants and spectators.
The word "hurdle" can be traced back to the Old English word "hyrdel", which referred to a portable framework or barrier made of interwoven branches or sticks. This word itself came from the Proto-Germanic word "hurdiz", meaning "wickerwork". The term "race" originates from the Latin word "radix", meaning "root" or "track".
Therefore, the etymology of the term "hurdle race" suggests that it combines the idea of overcoming barriers or hurdles (hurdle) with the concept of a competitive event on a specific track or path (race).