400 metres hurdles

The 400 metres hurdles is a hurdling event in track and field. It has been part of the Olympic athletics programme since the early 1900s for men and since 1984 for women. In this race, runners stay in their lanes the whole way around the track and must jump over ten hurdles that are evenly spaced. These hurdles are made to fall forward if bumped, helping to keep runners safe.

Although runners don’t get a penalty for knocking hurdles over, they still try to clear them without touching, because it slows them down. The current fastest times ever recorded are held by Karsten Warholm for men, with 45.94 seconds, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone for women, with 50.37 seconds. This race takes a little longer than the regular 400 metres run, with men’s hurdles adding about three seconds and women’s adding about four seconds. Men jump over hurdles that are 91.4 centimetres high, while women clear hurdles that are 76.2 centimetres high.

History

The men's 400 metres hurdles race began in 1860 in Oxford, England, where runners had to jump over twelve tall wooden hurdles. By 1895, lighter hurdles were used to make the race safer. In 1900, the race became an Olympic event in Paris, France, with the course and hurdles standardized to 400 metres with ten hurdles.

The first recorded women's 400 metres hurdles race happened in 1971. The event was officially added for women in 1974 with lower hurdles. It became an Olympic event for women in 1984 at the Los Angeles Games. Some people think the women's hurdles could be made harder by raising the height of the barriers.

Hurdling technique

The 400-metre hurdles is a very tough race that needs both speed and skill. Runners must be fast enough to complete 400 metres quickly while also jumping over hurdles in the right way. They need to know exactly how many steps to take between each hurdle to keep their speed and form.

When the race starts, runners begin from blocks and must reach the first hurdle using the right leg without slowing down. As they jump, they stretch one leg out and keep the other bent to clear the hurdle quickly. Runners must avoid reaching too far before a jump, as this can slow them down. Using the right leg to lead on turns helps runners stay closer to the inside of the lane. Good hurdlers know how many steps to take between hurdles, and some can even change their steps during the race if needed.

Continental records

Updated 17 September 2025.

All-time top 25

See also: Men's 400 metres hurdles world record progression and Women's 400 metres hurdles world record progression

Men

• Correct as of September 2025.

Women

• Correct as of September 2025.

Annulled marks

The following athletes have had their personal best annulled due to doping offences:

Milestones

The 400 metres hurdles race has seen many exciting moments and records over the years. For men, the first official world record was set in 1908 by Charles Bacon from the USA, with a time of 55.0 seconds. Since then, many athletes have broken impressive barriers, with times getting faster and faster.

For women, the first official world record was set in 1974 by Krystyna Kacperczyk from Poland, with a time of 56.51 seconds. Since then, women athletes have also achieved amazing feats, with times improving year after year.

Most successful athletes

American athlete Glenn Davis started his career in 1956 and went on to win the 400 metres hurdles at the Olympics in both 1956 and 1960.

Edwin Moses stands out for his amazing record. He won 122 races in a row from 1977 to 1987 and earned gold medals at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montréal and the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. His world record lasted sixteen years until Kevin Young broke it at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Olympic medalists

The 400 metres hurdles is a running race where athletes jump over hurdles placed on a track. It has been part of the Olympic Games for men since 1900 and for women since 1984. The race takes place on a standard outdoor track, which is 400 metres long—exactly one lap around the inside lane of a stadium.

World Championships medalists

The World Championships in Athletics feature a 400 metres hurdles race, where athletes compete to win gold, silver, and bronze medals. This event is part of the championships, showcasing the world's best hurdlers.

World leading times