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OVERVIEW
OF RACEWALKING
Racewalking is an athletics event in which the object is simply to walk fast.
The sport has been around for about 400 years, has been in the Olympics since
1908, and is literally the precursor of modern long-distance running. (See
the history of racewalking page.)
THE TWO RULES OF RACEWALKING
There are two technical rules in racewalking. In simple terms, to be legal,
a racewalker must
1. maintain contact with the ground at all times,
and
2. keep the knee of the supporting leg straight from the
moment of
foot contact with the ground until the leg passes
under the body
During walking races, certified judges position themselves on the race course
to observe the racewalkers. When, in the opinion of three different judges,
a walker violates either of these two rules, the walker is disqualified and
removed from the race. (It is important to note that judging is "by the
human eye" and not by video camera. Cameras often catch top racewalkers
off the ground, but it must be for such a short period of time that it can
not be seen by the human eye.) |
COMPETITIVE
RACEWALKING
For many racewalkers, competition is the name of the game. They train
hard to beat other walkers, set new personal records, or even establish new
world, national, state, or age-group records. While world-class athletes
are capable of walking at very high rates of speed, local competitors typically
race at between 8 and 15 minutes per mile --- with most racing in the 11
to 13 minute-per-mile range. Competitors range in age from under 10 to over
90 and, in the U.S., women outnumber men about 2-to-1.
Competitive racewalking is generally a long-distance event with races covering
up to 100 miles. In world-class races, men typically race for 20 kilometers
(12.4 miles) and 50 kilometers (31.1 miles), and women race for 20 kilometers
(recently increased from 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles). While the 5-kilometer
race tends to be the most popular distance overall, 1500m, 3K, 8K, and 10K
races are also frequently held. |
HOW FAST
IS FAST?
The men's American indoor racewalking record for a mile is 5:38.2.
In setting the men's world 50k racewalking record, Nathan Deakes of Australia averaged
walking 6:57 per mile for over 31 miles. |
RACEWALKING FOR
FITNESS
For many racewalkers, fitness is the primary goal. They realize racewalking
can carry them to ANY level of cardiovascular fitness and, when combined
with a good strength training regimen, can help them reach their overall
fitness goal -- whatever level that might be. Many, if not most, fitness
racewalkers regularly participate in local runs, walks, and racewalks. They
enjoy the competition not so much for the awards they receive but for the
motivation such challenges provide during their everyday workouts. They are,
in effect, competing with themselves and thereby measuring the success of
their fitness program through participation in such events. |
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