Complete guide to NCAA Division 1 men's 110m hurdles qualifying standards, recruiting times, and championship requirements
Guaranteed NCAA Championship entry
May qualify based on field size
Competitive for D1 scholarships
Minimum for D1 consideration
The 110m hurdles is exclusively a men's event. Women compete in the 100m hurdles over lower barriers (0.838m / 33" vs 1.067m / 42") with tighter spacing.
0.838m hurdles · 13m start · 8.5m spacing
110m Hurdles specs: 10 hurdles, 1.067m height, 13.72m start, 9.14m spacing
Wind rule: Wind assistance >2.0 m/s is recorded but wind-aided
Season: Outdoor only (60m hurdles indoors)
| Athlete | School | Time | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Holloway | Florida | 12.98 | 2019 | NCAA Record Area |
| Daniel Roberts | Kentucky | 13.00 | 2018 | NCAA Record Area |
| Trey Cunningham | Florida State | 13.02 | 2021 | Elite |
| Freddie Crittenden | Texas | 13.09 | 2016 | Championship Level |
| Cameron Kinley | Navy/Texas | 13.20 | 2021 | Championship Level |
Grant Holloway — sub-13 barrier broken
Trey Cunningham, Jeff Porter
Daniel Roberts, Wayne Davis
Strong hurdles tradition
Consistent championship performances
Rising program in SEC
At 1.067m, the 110m hurdles demands elite flexibility and power. Dip the torso over the barrier, keep the lead foot dorsiflexed, and drive the trail leg knee forward — not to the side.
The first hurdle is 13.72m from the starting line. Elite hurdlers reach it in 7 steps; developing hurdlers in 8. Moving from 8 to 7 strides is often a breakthrough moment.
Hip flexor flexibility and explosive hip extension are the limiting factors for most hurdlers. Combine dynamic stretching, A-B drills, and sprint work year-round.
Three strides between all 10 hurdles is the goal. Losing rhythm after hurdle 6–7 is common — build stamina-specific hurdle training to stay smooth late in the race.
Between hurdles, you are sprinting. High-quality sprint mechanics — forward lean, high hips, powerful arm drive — carry over directly to faster hurdle times.
After the 10th hurdle, sprint all the way through the line. Many races are decided in the final 14m — don't decelerate early.
Sub-13.60 gets you into scholarship conversations at most D1 programs. Elite SEC, ACC, and Big 12 programs often target sub-13.40 for full scholarship offers. Mid-major D1 programs recruit down to around 14.00.
Grant Holloway of Florida ran 12.98 in 2019, becoming the first collegian to break 13 seconds. He went on to become the world record holder in the event.
Yes — any officially timed performance with proper wind readings can be used for qualifying, including high school marks. Athletes often qualify for D1 championships before arriving on campus.
Most US high school boys run 39" (0.991m) hurdles, slightly lower than the college standard of 42" (1.067m). The transition to higher hurdles requires adjustment in clearance mechanics during the freshman year.
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