A religious point to pursue for competitive exercise (12)
I believe the answer is:
steeplechase
'competitive exercise' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to natural events as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a religious point to pursue' is the wordplay.
'a religious point' becomes 'steeple' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'religious' bit.).
'to pursue' becomes 'chase' (chasing is a kind of pursuing).
'steeple'+'chase'='STEEPLECHASE'
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for steeplechase that I've seen before include "Maybe Grand National" , "Type of horse race" , "Race with obstacles to be jumped" , "Race over fences" , "Running event over hurdles and water jumps" .)