The 3k steeple is one of the few distance events with a clear favorite. But what about the other two spots? The 3-11 seeded runners in this race are only separated by 8 seconds. Take a look the 5 runners to watch in this year’s steeplechase.

The Lock

Evan Jager (PB: 8:04.71, SB: 8:05.28)
2015 has been a good year for Evan Jager. He’s already ran one second off of his PR in the steeple, and more recently, ran a huge PR in the 1500m (3:32.97) at the Portland Track Festival. In a more broad context, Jager has been no stranger to championship racing. He’s won the last three outdoor championships, and has represented the US in the 2013 World Championships, as well as the 2012 Olympics.

The Guru

Dan Huling (PB: 8:13.29, SB: 8:24.61)
Dan Huling has been running under 8:30 in the steeple since Evan Jager was in high school. While he hasn’t PR’d in the event since 2010, he’s still been running quick enough to have a shot at the world team. If there’s one edge he has over the rest of the field, it’s experience.

The D-2 Darkhorse

Tabor Stevens (PB: 8:26.81, SB: 8:26.81)
It’s been a long season for the Adam's State graduate Tabor Stevens. His first steeple this season was back in April at the Stanford Invitational. At the time, his mark of 8:32.50 was a good for a world lead. Stevens returned to Palo Alto a month later, to nail an IAAF world standard, and take 5th place in a very competitive field. He won his 3rd NCAA Division II title in the steeplechase, and came back later to win the 5K as well. At his most recent outing, the newly sponsored Asics runner ran a PR 3:40.96 at the Portland Track Festival. Stevens finished 11th in the steeplechase at last year’s outdoor championship.

Mr. Consistent

Donn Cabral (PB: 8:19.07, SB: 8:19.07)
Cabral brings the next fastest SB to the field with a 8:19.07 earlier this June. The 25-year-old took 3rd at last years Outdoor championships, and also represented the USA with Evan Jager in the 2012 Olympics. 

The Rookie

Andy Bayer (PB: 8:25.71, SB:8:26.75)
Andy Bayer might have learned a thing or two from his teammate Evan Jager. Still relatively new to the event, the 25-year-old has only competed in eight  steeplechases in his lifetime. Despite his lack of experience Bayer has an 8:25.71 PR to his name, and a seasonal best just off that. Bayer has only raced twice this outdoor season, due to nursing a broken arm. His most recent performance was at the Portland Track Festival, where he ran his SB in the steeple.