I am an 800 runner primarily (1:55) . I have a faster 400m open time (51.22) than any 400m hurdler (by that I mean my 400m is faster than their open 400m, not that my 400m is faster than their 400mIH) in my conference. No hurdle experience. 6'0" tall. Can not dunk a basetball but close. What are the chances of doing well in the event?
Are you athletic? Play any other sports ever?
Practice hurdling first before making the decision. Maybe even race a 400mH once and see. You may be a natural at it or more likely you'll struggle to break 60. Won't know until you try, though.
I'm definitely more athletic than the average distance runner. played basketball until 8th grade.
Could you really drop off that much if you have even remote hurdling skill?
How old are you, have you tried jumping events?
I think you might do fine with practice, but unless you're a natural I'd be surprised if your hurdle time was comparably better than a 1:55 800m because your open 400m time is comparably worse.
If your conference is strong in the 800 and weak in the 400h, which I guess is fairly likely since HS hurdle events tend to drop off quite a bit after the top performers, and you just are looking to place higher, it might be worth a shot.
I'd suggest running one in practice and seeing if you are any good at all.
I won the triple jump (and 800) at my 5th grade all-city track meet. I TJed 39-4ish for the heck of it during an outdoor practice last year.
I'm 20 (D3 sophomore). The 400 is from indoors this year, 800 is outdoor last year.
Conference definitely has much stronger distance than sprinters, and stronger sprinters than hurdlers.