steeplechase

Meanings

1. A horse race, either across open country, or over an obstacle course.
2. An athletics event in which the runners have to run 3000 metres round a track, jumping hurdles and a water obstacle along the way.

1. To take part in a steeplechase event.

Etymology

Compound of steeple + chase, from horse races in 18th century Ireland in which orientation of the course was by reference to a church steeple.