Athletics at the 1908 London Summer Games:

Steeplechase racing was mostly popular in Great Britain, although steeplechase events had been on the Olympic program in both 1900 and 1904. But because the event was not held frequently outside of Britain, it was difficult to consider any challenger other than the British runners. The last five AAA titles in steeplechase had been won by [Arthur Russell] (1904-06), [Joseph English] (1907), and Reginald Noakes (1908). Noakes would later win the 1909 and 1911 AAA titles and English won again in 1910. English competed at the 1908 Olympics but did not finish the second heat. Noakes did not compete due to injury.

Four Britons, one American, and one Canadian qualified for the final. A notable non-qualifier was [Jim Lightbody] (USA), the 1904 Olympic champion, who finished second to [Harry Sewell] in heat six. In the final, at the bell, Arthur Russell, [Arthur Robertson], and [John Eisele] were together. Halfway through the last lap, Robertson took the lead, and Eisele was dropped with 220 yards remaining. Russell passed Robertson at the water jump and held on to win by 2 yards. Eisele did well to finish third as in training he had torn away a toe-nail and it was not certain he would compete.