COLCHESTER AND TENDRING ATHLETIC CLUB
Race Walking Pages
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This website is only maintained occasionally. Last updated 16.8.21.
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Race Walking
Category A Races:
Most Championship races including the Olympics and World Championships are Category A races.
World Athletics / UKA Rule 54.2 "Race Walking is a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground, so that no visible (to the human eye) loss of contact occurs. The advancing leg must be straightened (i.e. not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until (in) the vertical upright position".
Category B Races:
Many promoters stage Category B races. At least one foot must always be on the ground, but a straight leg isn't necessary. Very simply the rules are 'walk as fast as you can but do not run'. Obviously these events can be great fun for anyone, and provided the athlete does not run there is no need to be afraid of being disqualified.
Development Races: Sometimes development races are held where athletes are not disqualified for an offence (i.e. not having at least one foot on the ground) but are given a time penalty instead.
Most Championship races including the Olympics and World Championships are Category A races.
World Athletics / UKA Rule 54.2 "Race Walking is a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground, so that no visible (to the human eye) loss of contact occurs. The advancing leg must be straightened (i.e. not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until (in) the vertical upright position".
Category B Races:
Many promoters stage Category B races. At least one foot must always be on the ground, but a straight leg isn't necessary. Very simply the rules are 'walk as fast as you can but do not run'. Obviously these events can be great fun for anyone, and provided the athlete does not run there is no need to be afraid of being disqualified.
Development Races: Sometimes development races are held where athletes are not disqualified for an offence (i.e. not having at least one foot on the ground) but are given a time penalty instead.
Race Walking - Distances
It isn't a requirement for younger children or those that are older to Race Walk long distances. Events are often held over 1000m (2.5 laps of an athletic track) for younger children, and the Eastern Masters midweek meetings in the summer for those over 35, have included Race Walks from 1000m to 2000m.
WA/UKA Rules (Rule T3(141) S2 UKA Supplement) - Maximum Distances:
U13 - 3000m (say 2 miles), U15 - 5000m (say 3 miles), U17 - 15000m, U20 - 20000m, Seniors - Unlimited.
As mentioned in training they are broadly similar to Cross Country for the younger age groups. Where people are trying hard its probably enough !
WA/UKA Rules (Rule T3(141) S2 UKA Supplement) - Maximum Distances:
U13 - 3000m (say 2 miles), U15 - 5000m (say 3 miles), U17 - 15000m, U20 - 20000m, Seniors - Unlimited.
As mentioned in training they are broadly similar to Cross Country for the younger age groups. Where people are trying hard its probably enough !
The Race Walking Association
The Race Walking Association (RWA) look after Race Walking in England on behalf of England Athletics and can approve permits for Race Walking events. Their website is http://www.racewalkingassociation.com/.
Race Walking Coaching
Race Walking is introduced during the new Coaching Assistants course on the UKA Coaching Pathway, and from 2018 is continued in the multi-discipline Athletics Coach course. See Coaching
Younger athletes can find Race Walking drills and exercises in the Athletics 365 literature and media. Race Walking training can be useful in the development of other events too.
Younger athletes can find Race Walking drills and exercises in the Athletics 365 literature and media. Race Walking training can be useful in the development of other events too.
Race Walking Officiating
The Race Walking Association would be interested in hearing from anyone interested in training as a Race Walking Official. The pathway is the same as for other UKA Officiating disciplines. Please note that specific course requirements do vary over time.