How it works
The longer of the two Olympic race-walking distances – and the longest athletics event on the Olympic programme – is contested by men only.
Race-walking differs from running because one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times. Failure to adhere to this is known as ‘lifting’. Rules also state that the supporting leg must straighten from the point of contact with the ground and remain straight until the body passes over it. Three violations of these rules during a race lead to an athlete's disqualification.
The race is held on a road course, but at major championships they often start and finish in the main stadium.
History
Race-walking dates to the 17th and 18th centuries. The first competitors were the footmen who would run and/or walk by the side of their masters’ coaches. The upper-class began to stake wagers as to which of their footmen would win a race – some of which lasted for six days! – and the sport became an increasingly popular betting activity during the 19th century, when it was known as 'pedestrianism'.
The discipline first appeared at the Olympics in 1904 as a half-mile race that was part of the ‘all-rounder’, a forerunner of the decathlon. Stand-alone races were introduced in 1906 and, apart from the 1928 Amsterdam Games, have been a fixture ever since.
The 50km race became part of the Olympic schedule in 1932.
Did you know
The 50km walk takes more than three-and-a-half hours to complete.
Gold standard
Europe – led by Russia, Poland, Spain and Italy – has a good record in this event. Mexico also has a strong heritage.
Icons
Robert Korzeniowski
The Pole made history in 2004 by becoming the only man to win three successive Olympic titles. He was also the first race-walker to do the double – he won the 20km and 50km walks at the Sydney 2000 Games. He also won three world titles – 1997, 2001 and 2003 – and, just for good measure, the European titles of 1998 and 2002.