Race Walking

Race walking bears little relation of what most people know as ordinary walking. Athletes look more as if they are trying to stop themselves from running. The technique require short, rapid steps, is diffucult to master.

Courses

Most walking races are held on roads. There are judges along the courses to ensure that competitors walk in accordance with the rules. Often, walkers do several laps of a circuit so that officials get the chance to observe them several times during the race.

Race Rules

One foot must be in contact with the ground all the times, and the supporting leg must be straight, not  bent at the knee, from the moment the touches the ground untill supporting leg passes below the body.

Need to know

• World class race walkers can cover 1.6km in under 6 minutes

• A major race walking events
  • Men 50km and 20km
  • Women 20 km only
• A race walking World Cup is held biannually in even-numbered years