The distance between last hurdle and finishing line in 400 meters hurdle race is

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (3):
The correct option is 40 meters. This is the internationally standardized distance, established under World Athletics rules, for the final sprint in the 400-meter hurdle race. The 400m hurdles race is divided into three distinct sections: the run-up to the first hurdle, the nine intervals between the ten hurdles, and the final run-in to the finish line. The 40-meter segment begins immediately after the athlete clears the final (tenth) hurdle and is a critical phase, as the athlete must seamlessly transition their body control and rhythm back into maximum flat-out sprinting speed to cover the final distance and win the race.

The incorrect option is (1):
45 meters is incorrect because this distance corresponds to the initial run-up in the 400-meter hurdles event. This is the official measurement from the starting line to the center of the first hurdle. This longer initial distance is provided to allow the athlete sufficient time and space to accelerate and establish a consistent, efficient stride pattern—typically 20 to 22 strides—before they must begin the technical maneuver of clearing the first barrier.

The incorrect option is (2):
35 meters is incorrect because this is the standardized distance *between* the ten hurdles. Specifically, there are nine 35-meter intervals on the track, starting from the first hurdle to the second, and continuing through to the ninth hurdle to the tenth. This precise and challenging spacing dictates the rhythm and step count an athlete must maintain throughout the majority of the race. It requires a high level of speed-endurance and technical consistency, which is distinct from the final sprint distance.

The incorrect option is (4):
42 meters is incorrect as it does not correspond to any of the official, standardized distances in the 400-meter hurdles race. For all internationally recognized competitions, the three official distances are 45 meters (start to first hurdle), 35 meters (between hurdles), and 40 meters (last hurdle to finish line). The meticulous standardization of these distances is essential to ensure fairness across all races and enable world records to be legitimately compared.