Training
Walking
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About walking
The information below has been provided by The Central Gauteng Athletics Road Walking
Committee, for more information about walking you can contact
walking@webmail.co.za.
History of walking
Race Walking was introduced in the Olympics in 1908 and the Commonwealth Games
since 1966. The standard Olympic road walking distances of 20km and 50km have been
contested at each Olympics since 1956; the women compete at 10km.
These race walking distances have been part of each World Championships in Athletics. The
women’s walking event was extended from 10km to 20km for the 1999 World Championships.
During the17th and18th centuries, many footmen would run or walk by the side of their
masters' coaches. At the time it was called pedestrianism and it became very popular
with races over 24 hours and even 6 days. Before long, people started betting on the
walkers, their times and the distance. Race walking was born! In the19th century it
soon spread to Europe and later to America and Russia.
What forms of walking are available?
Walking, Social Walking, Speed Walking, Power Walking, Race Walking and Road Walking.
What are the differences between all of them?
There are small differences in technique
and speed but they are all forms of walking. Walking is an Olympic event and has been
practiced since the 1800’s.
Track Walking
Competitors walk on an athletic track or on another flat surface in laps of 400m
to 2 1/2 km’s. Walkers can get provincial or national colours in South Africa.
Distances raced are 1500m, 3000m, 5 km, 10 km, 20 km, (both men and ladies) and 30 km
and 50 km (men only).
Masters Athletics
This is an organisation for athletes (including walkers) over the age of 35 years.
Competitors walk on an athletics track in laps of 400m. Walkers can get provincial or
national masters colours in South Africa. Distances are 1500m, 3000m, 5 km, 10 km and
20 km.
Road Walking Races.
These are races sanctioned by the various provincial bodies in the country such as
CGA, AGN etc. Walkers race on surfaces which are usually tarred or concrete roads but
which usually include significant gradients and are not restricted to maximum distance
laps. Distances vary from 5 km to 100 miles (160.95 km). There are also races over
time periods e.g. 12 , 24 or 48 hours. There are also races over 6 days in Witbank and
Randburg. In these time based events the objective is to complete a specified minimum
distance and the winner is the competitor completing the greatest distance in the time
allowed.
These races fall into 5 categories :
- Walking only events such as the 702/FNB Walk the Talk
- Walking races held together with Road Running Races where walkers get a delayed or
separate start such as the RAC 10 km or Randburg Harriers 10 km.
- Normal running races in which walkers take part.
- Ultra distance running races with a long enough cutoff to allow walkers to finish
the distance.
- Relays in which a team of walkers complete the necessary legs.
Fun runs/walks
These races are of a short distance, normally about 5 km, and are held as an
additional event at road races. The races are organised by the same club that organises
the main race. It is seen as a fun event because competitors don’t need
license numbers and the walkers are not judged for compliance with the two rules of
race walking. Some races give finishers medals, others badges and others just
handouts.
Vasbyt/Endurance walks
Teams of 6 walkers do the event. The race are over 2 days over a distance of not
less than 70 and not more than 75 km’s – 34 to 40 km on the first day and the rest on
the second day. The team members must stay together during the race, never more than
about 50m apart. If one member pulls out, the rest of the team members finishing the
race still qualifies for their bronze medals and certificates. Teams can do the full
Vasbyt (both days) or half a Vasbyt (1 day only). Teams consist of 6 men, 6 women or
3 men and 3 women constituting a mixed team - all participating for overall gold and
silver medals in their given categories. Any other combination of walkers will only
qualify for bronze medals and certificates. The races are held under the control of
the Vasbyt Vereniging van Suid Afrika/Endurance Walking Association of South Africa.
Races are held in different provinces followed by a national championship. The routes
are over tar, gravel and even sea sand.
Charity/wildlife walks
Walks where there is normally no prize money but everybody gets a medal. The races
are not sanctioned by the provincial athletics bodies. The races are normally organised
by charity or nature conservation organisations. The entry charges go to a charity or
nature conservation purpose. Examples are the Gandhi walk and Walk for wildlife.
Walks with a medal
Events which are organised by private people. Every finisher gets a medal. Some of
the entry charges go charities.
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