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.)
Racewalking style has evolved from one of wildly gryrating hips (the fodder of many laughs) to one of fluid movements that directs almost all energy into forward motion. Top racewalking form today is as smooth as top running form.
Racewalking is now very popular in Europe, Russia, China, Australia and Mexico (where the 1993 World Cup Championship reportedly drew 40,000 spectators). In the United States, it is finally gaining popularity as more people see walking as a legitimate, relatively injury-free vehicle to fitness and ANY level. Today there are thousands of competitive racewalkers in the United States -- and the number is growing rapidly.
Comments: Web Coordinator
http://www.niagarawalkers.org/news/history.html
Last updated: January 19, 2004