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History of Race Walking

Competitive walking appeared in England by the early 17th century as aristocrats wagered over whose footman was fastest. With sizable sums at stake, nobleman sought footmen with speed and stamina. The sport had few rules. Competitors were expected to use a "fair heel and toe" technique, trotting as necessary to ward off cramps, but not running.

Competition between footmen gave way, during the second half of the 18th century to men racing against time over long distances. "Pedestrians" (as the walkers were called) could win very large fees, and side bets were common. One of the more popular goals involved covering at least 100 miles in 24 hours.

In the early 1800s, "amateur racewalking" emerged at private sporting clubs in large cities. It was introduced into the Olympics in 1908 for men (in 1992 for women). The Olympics now include racewalks of 10K for women, and 20K and 50K for men. (At 31.1 miles, the men's 50K racewalk is the longest Olympic road racing event.)