What is the competitive race walk division all about?
The ING Hartford Half Marathon racewalk division is a monitored event. Athletes who select this category must comply with the racewalk rules.
If you plan on casually walking the Half Marathon route, do not enter the Race Walk Division - enter the open division of the ING Half Marathon.
Definition of Race Walking:
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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 the leg is in the vertical upright position. Judges on the course will be looking to see if the athlete: 1- has a bent knee any time between heel strike to when the leg is directly underneath them. (The leg must be straightened) 2- Is off the ground. (The lead leg must touch down before the rear foot leaves the ground so at no point are both feet off the ground.) |
In layman's terms - A racewalker can not run, he/she must straighten the leg at the knee as the heel contacts the ground.
If the judges agree that an athlete is in violation of the rules, the athlete may be disqualified from the racewalk division.
Wikipedia also offers a good description for race walking.
Prizes: Merchandise prizes to top three male and female finishers.
