What is Race Walking?

Race walking is a unique discipline in athletics where competitors walk race distances as quickly as possible while maintaining contact with the ground at all times. It is a test of pacing, cardiovascular fitness, and endurance that can last hours depending on the distance.

Race Walking at the Olympics

The Summer Olympics typically feature two race walking events: a 20km race for both men and women, and a grueling 50km race exclusively for men. However, the 50km race has been dropped from the Paris Olympics in favor of a new mixed-gender 35km event.

World Records in Race Walking

French athlete Yohann Diniz holds the men's 50km race walking world record, set at the 2014 European Championships in Zurich with a time of 3:32:33. Yusuke Suzuki of Japan holds the men's 20km race walk record, set at the Asian Race Walking Championships in 2015 with a time of 1:16:36.

In the women's category, Jiayu Yang is recognized by World Athletics as the world record holder after achieving a time of 1:23:49 at the Chinese Race Walking Championships in Huangshan in 2021. The mixed 35km race walk world record is held by Vladimir Kanaykin, who clocked a time of 2:21:31 at the Adler Russian Winter Race Walking Championships in 2006.

Race Walking vs. Running

Race walking records for 20km, 35km, and 50km are significantly slower than those of average runners due to the limitations imposed by the rule requiring contact with the ground. The longest distance run at the Summer Olympics is the 10,000 meters, which is half the distance of the 20km race walk.

Challenges of Race Walking

Mastering the technique of race walking requires significant training and coordination. Athletes must focus on maintaining the required form while also pacing themselves strategically to avoid disqualification. Additional challenges include dealing with weather conditions and the physical strain of walking for prolonged periods.

Race Walking at the Paris Olympics

At the Paris Olympics, race walking will take place on August 1, 2024. The men's and women's 20km race walks will start at 7:30 AM local time, while the mixed 35km race walk will begin at 5:30 PM local time. Spectators can expect to witness the determination and skill of athletes as they compete for Olympic glory in this unique and demanding sport.