Nathan Mountain Sets National Record In 2000m Steeplechase

2000m Steeplechase Race Video


The scholastic season may be over, but it hasn't stopped the stable of Ohio talent from applying their efforts to non-traditional events.

One week removed from his breakthrough run of 4:02.54 for the full mile, Nathan Mountain (St. Xavier) now can add a high school national record to his résumé. Running on his home track at the Cicada Classic, the University of Virginia bound senior ran 5:40.72 for the 2,000m steeplechase, an event rarely contested outside of national championship-caliber meets. 

Results


Pending ratification, that mark is now the fastest ever run by a prep competitor, eclipsing the precedent established by Bailey Roth (Coronado) in 2014 at 5:41.67.

Like Roth, this was also Mountain's first time over barriers in an official race. The 2000m distance is a gateway event into the Steeple, more traditionally run at 3,000m once in the collegiate ranks. The shortened distance allows for an entry into the event for those athletes with the speed-strength of a miler like Mountain.