Will World Athletics Introduce New Distances for Race Walking Events in 2026?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a major shift for race walking, World Athletics is set to introduce half-marathon and marathon distances in 2026. This change aims to enhance fan engagement and recognition of the athletes' speed. President Sebastian Coe emphasizes the importance of these adjustments for the sport's future, aligning with Olympic standards and the evolving landscape of athletics.
Key Takeaways
- World Athletics is introducing new distances for race walking in 2026.
- The half-marathon will replace the traditional 20-kilometre race walk.
- The marathon will substitute the 35 km event.
- These changes aim to improve fan engagement and recognition of athletes' speeds.
- Expectations are that these distances will be permanent fixtures in the sport.
Beijing, Dec 17 (NationPress) World Athletics has announced plans to incorporate half-marathon and marathon distances into race walking competitions in 2026, aimed at assisting fans in comprehending the pace of the sport, according to president Sebastian Coe.
As part of the schedule for the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships on April 12, 2026, the conventional 20-kilometre race walk will transition to a half-marathon format, while the 35 km event will evolve into a marathon race walk. This will mark the inaugural introduction of these distances in major global competitions.
"I believe it is a positive step to adjust these distances to ones that the public is familiar with from other events," Coe commented during a virtual press conference on Tuesday. "Fans can relate to the timings, and it is frequently underestimated how skilled and swift our race walkers truly are."
Coe expressed his anticipation that these updated distances will be a permanent fixture, indicating they would align well with the Olympic framework, as reported by Xinhua.
Over the last decade, race walking formats have seen numerous alterations. The women's 50km was introduced at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships alongside the men's 50km and both 20km events, but both 50km races were eliminated before reaching the Olympics and replaced by a 35km event during the 2022 World Championships in Oregon.
The men's 50km was also excluded from the 2024 Paris Olympics in favor of a marathon race walk mixed relay.
In April, the IOC released the athletics timetable for Los Angeles 2028, confirming that the half-marathon will be the only walking distance for both men and women.
He also confirmed that the mixed 4x400m relay and the mile race—introduced for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow—will continue to be part of the program for the 2030 edition as well.
Coe expressed his frustration over the absurd situation regarding the legal world record held by banned Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich, stating that the governing body is constrained in its actions. Chepngetich's remarkable time of two hours, nine minutes, and 56 seconds, achieved in Chicago in October 2024, continues to be recognized as the legal world record despite her receiving a three-year anti-doping ban this year, with her results being annulled only from March.
Coe mentioned that her claim of having consumed her housemaid's medication was dismissed by the Athletics Integrity Unit, which is still probing Chepngetich for other potential infringements.
Point of View
I find this development in race walking to be a significant step towards making the sport more relatable and engaging for fans worldwide. The adjustments proposed by World Athletics represent a thoughtful initiative that aims to bridge the gap between traditional race walking and the expectations of modern audiences. This change could potentially breathe new life into the sport, attracting greater interest and participation.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What new distances will be introduced for race walking in 2026?
World Athletics will replace the traditional 20-kilometre race walk with a half-marathon and the 35 km event with a marathon race walk.
Why is World Athletics making these changes?
The changes aim to help fans better understand the speed of race walking by introducing distances that are more familiar to them.
When will these new distances be implemented?
The new distances will debut at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships on April 12, 2026.
Will these new distances be part of the Olympic program?
Yes, the new distances are expected to align well with the Olympic program, enhancing the sport's visibility.
What has been the recent history of race walking events?
Race walking formats have changed significantly over the past decade, with events being added and removed from major competitions, including the Olympics.
