Walking, as a competitive sport, is a race between two or more people, or against time. Walking races are also called race-walking. Most races are held at distances ranging from 1 mile to 50,000 meters. In one event, the winner is decided by which competitor covers the greatest distance in two hours.
Competitive walkers developed a method of walking called the “heel-and-toe.” A long stride lands the foot on the heel and swings the walker forward to put weight quickly on the toe. The toe acts as a springboard for the next stride. At least part of one foot must always be on the ground and the leg must be completely straight, or locked, momentarily during each step. A nonracer walks 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) in 15 to 20 minutes. A heel-and-toe expert can do it in 61/2 minutes.
The walking contest was popular in England for centuries before it was introduced in the United States in the 1870’s. At one time, U.S. contestants competed in six-day marathons on indoor tracks.
See also Pedometer .
