Race walking, sometimes referred to as speedwalking, is a special long-distance race event in athletics in which the participants must walk. It is distinguished from running by the requirement that at any time at least one foot has contact with the ground (judged by the naked eye) and the supporting leg must be straightened (not bent at the knee) from the moment of the first impact of the foot with the ground until the supporting leg passes below the body). The participants swivel and tilt their hips to lengthen their strides and strive to get up on the toe as high as possible, while keeping the leading foot on the ground. World-class racewalkers can walk a mile (1.6 km) in under six minutes.

In competition, race walkers are expected to maintain good form and are penalized for bending the knee as it passes under the body or having no foot-to-ground contact. The latter infraction is known as lifting. There are judges on the course to monitor form and three judges submitting "red cards" for violations results in disqualification. There is a scoreboard placed on the course so competitors can see their violation status. If the third violation is received, the chief judge removes the competitor from the course by showing a red paddle. For monitoring reasons, races are held on a looped course or on a track so judges get to see competitors several times during a race. A judge could also "warn" a competitor that they are in danger of losing form by using a yellow paddle showing either lifting or bent knees. Disqualifications are routine at the elite level, such as the famous case of Jane Saville disqualified within sight of a gold medal in front of her home crowd in the 2000 Summer Olympics. Race walking is an Olympic sport with distances of 20 kilometers for both men and women and 50 kilometers for men only. A World Cup event in race walking is held biennally. Fitness-wise, it is said to exceed the caloric requirements of running because of stronger arm motion and less efficiency than running.

While race walking is the official name for the sport, many people who are not familiar with the event call it speedwalking, as racers walk at a fast pace. This term is disliked by race walkers, as it is the term that was used by those in the fitness industry (i.e. not track & field) to denote extra exertion while walking, but without any of the rules explained above.

More on [ Race walking ]

nzherald.co.nz - Rugby

Rugby: Red and Blacks triumph in Air NZ Cup finale
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:40:00 +1200
Canterbury 28 Wellington 20 Canterbury efficiently retained rugby's Air NZ Cup when they beat Wellington 28-20 at Christchurch tonight.The defending champions virtually sealed their fifth national title when fullback Colin...
All Blacks to wear poppies in Welsh test
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:00:24 +1200
CARDIFF - The All Blacks will join their Welsh rivals in wearing poppies on their rugby jerseys here tomorrow as the teams mark Remembrance Day with a pre-test ceremony.All Blacks manager Darren Shand said the team had agreed...
Wheelchair rugby: New Zealand dump Japan
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:45:00 +1200
The New Zealand wheelchair rugby team have maintained their unbeaten record at the Asia Oceania championships with a 52-46 win over Japan at Christchurch yesterday. New Zealand led 29-23 at halftime, before kicking away from Japan...
Rugby: Intrigue builds in Super horse trading
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +1200
It is horse-trading time again. Having submitted their list of protected players, the five New Zealand franchises will spend Monday and Tuesday plugging holes in their squads in preparation for the Super 14.Some moves, most notably...
Rugby: Wellington pack hoping to ambush Cantabs
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +1200
A Wellington pack that has bonded well since a mid-season revamp could be the ambush factor in tonight's rugby final against Canterbury, says sidelined Lions lock Jeremy Thrush.When they met in the fifth round, Canterbury romped...
Rugby: 14-team NPC likely for 2010
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +1200
Putting the flop into flip-flop, it is increasingly likely the national provincial rugby championship will stay at 14 teams next year.Serious doubts are now being raised about the ability of two Heartland provinces to join the...
All Blacks: All Blacks keen to extend 56 years of hurt
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +1200
Fresh from building an imposing record against the Wallabies, the All Blacks eye their legendary test rugby winning streak here determined not to be known as the side who let it slip.As much as tomorrow's test against Wales at...
All Blacks: Williams - back three can damage All Blacks
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +1200
Mercurial Welsh rugby winger Shane Williams is braced for an aerial bombardment from Dan Carter, but warns their speedy back three can do some damage to the All Blacks' defence tomorrow.The 2008 International Rugby Board player...
All Blacks: Leonard feeling confident
newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +1200
The last time All Blacks halfback Brendon Leonard set foot on Millennium Stadium, he trudged off with his teammates trying to comprehend how their rugby World Cup was over.Two years on, and it's been more tough times for the combative...

FOXSPORTS.com.au | Rugby League

I don't care about Mason: Smith
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000
It was the admission that confirmed Willie Mason is on borrowed time at the Sydney Roosters.
Cronk pushing Origin cause
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:55:00 -0000
Watching Cooper Cronk strut his stuff with the Australian side this week, Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens can only shake his head in wonder.
France coach warns Kangaroos
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000
France coach Bobby Goulding says the Kangaroos should expect rough tactics from rivals - but insists his side won't be playing dirty when they meet on Sunday morning (EDT).
Chambers will be ready: Reds
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000
Melbourne Storm have declared they have no room for Will Chambers amid fresh speculation their NRL grand final centre was again seeking to bailout on his code switch to rugby union.
Mason free to leave: Smith
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:16:00 -0000
New Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith said he doesn't care if Willie Mason turns his back on the NRL club to play rugby union in Japan.
Greenshields dreams of French upset
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:48:00 -0000
Coffs Harbour-born France fullback Clint Greenshields refuses to give up on the dream of somehow conjuring up a miracle against rugby league powerhouse Australia.

Subscribe to R RSS feed