Introduction to Race Walking

• Race walking is a competitive sport where athletes walk rapidly while maintaining ground contact.
• Key rules include keeping the leading leg straight until vertical.
• Common race distances are 20 and 50 kilometers.

Learning Outcomes

• Define race walking
• Describe the historical evolution of race walking and its impact
• Demonstrate proper race-walking techniques and compliance with standards

Defining Race Walking

• Race walking is racing at a fast walk while maintaining continuous foot contact and keeping the supporting leg straight.
• Race walking involves steps where the walker maintains ground contact with no visible loss to the human eye.
• The advancing leg must be straight from first contact until upright. (I.A.A.F. Rule 230, 2025)

History of Race Walking

• Race walking began in England in the late 18th century.
• Professional walkers often participated in walking challenges for bets.

Notable Historical Race Walking Events

• Foster Powell walked from London to York and back (400 miles) in six days in 1773.
• Captain Howe walked 346 miles in six days in 1808.
• Captain Howe also walked 83 miles in less than 24 hours.

Skepticism

• Some early walking feats were doubted.
• James Watson claimed to walk 23 miles in under three hours.
• Mr. Rickets allegedly walked from Shoreditch to Ponders End and back in 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Famous feats

• Captain Barclay is known for walking one mile every hour for 1,000 consecutive hours on Newmarket Heath in 1808-1809.

1860s

• Athletics began to be formally organized.
• The First Amateur Walking Championship was held in 1866, won by J.G. Chambers in 59:32 in a seven-mile race.
• The seven-mile race continued until 1893 and became part of the Amateur Athletic Association Championship in 1880.
• The First London to Brighton race was promoted by the Hairdressers' Athletic Club in 1886.

Key Dates in the 20th Century

• Olympic Games included an 800-meter walk, won by Tom Kiely (Ireland) in 1904.
• Race walking (1,500m and 3,000m) appeared in the Intercalated Olympic Games with controversies over disqualifications in 1906.
• The Southern Counties Road Walking Association was formed in London for race walking in 1907.
• The first organized championship was held over 20 miles in Ruislip, won by Harold Ross in 2:56:32 in 1908.
• Walks were included as separate events in the London Olympic Games.
• George Larner won both events (3,500m and 10 miles) in 1908.
• Southern Counties Road Walking Association became the Road Walking Association, the first national governing body in 1911.
• The first Women's Amateur Athletic Association track championship was won by Edith Trickey in 4:35.0 (880 yards) in 1923.
• The first national road championships for women was held, won by Jeanne Probekk in 25:56 in 1933.
• The Road Walking Association assumed responsibility for track walking and became the Racewalking Association in 1954.
• Men's 20-mile walk was introduced to the Commonwealth Games, won by Ron Wallwork (2:44:43) at the Commonwealth Games in 1996.
• The First championships of the English Schools' Athletic Association was held for boys in 1968.
• Introduction of girls' championships by the E.S.A.A. occurred in 1974.
• R.W.A. took over all responsibilities for women's walking and became the first unified body in English athletics in 1980.
• Women's 10k walk was added to the Commonwealth Games, won by Kerry Saxby (45:03) in 1990.
• Women's walk was introduced to the Olympic Games in Barcelona, won by Chen Yueling (44:32) in 1992.

Race Walking at the Olympics

• The story of race walking at the Olympic Games has been a variable one.
• The distances have been varied

Key Rules and Regulations

• Athletes must maintain continuous contact with the ground.
• The leading leg must remain straight from the moment of first contact until vertical.
• A genuine walking technique must be used (no running or jogging).
• Judges can issue yellow cards (minor infractions) and red cards (serious violations).
• Race walking judges have the authority to monitor and enforce the rules.
• Athletes must wear appropriate competition attire.
• Competitors must follow the designated course.
• Events are conducted over set distances (e.g., 20 km, 50 km).
• Athletes may lodge formal protests against decisions made by judges.

Race Start Procedure (World Athletics)

• Athletes must be in designated starting positions, ready to begin.
• The race begins with a starting signal (gun or whistle); athletes must remain stationary.
• Upon hearing the starting signal, athletes commence walking, maintaining ground contact.
• Judges monitor the start.
• Starting before the signal may be a false start.
• Athletes should be aware of the course layout and markers.

Drinking/Sponging and Refreshment Stations:

• Water and refreshments are required at the start and finish.
• Drinking/sponging stations will be provided at suitable intervals.
• Refreshment stations shall be set up every lap for events longer than 10km.
• Water-only stations will be placed midway between refreshment stations.
• Refreshments must be easily accessible.
• Athletes collecting refreshments outside designated stations may be disqualified.
• A maximum of two officials per country may be at refreshment tables.

Key Elements of Race Walking

• Athletes must maintain a specific walking form, with one foot in contact with the ground and a leading leg straightened from contact until vertical.
• An upright posture should be maintained.
• A longer stride is encouraged, but it should not compromise technique.
• The foot should land directly beneath the body with heel contact first.
• Arms should swing in coordination with the legs, close to the body.
• Proper breathing techniques are important.
• Athletes must manage their speed and energy.
• Adherence to race walking rules is crucial.