Apr 11, 2006

Faster Pace? Walk A Race!

Are you a racewalker interested in the fun and challenge of a judged event? Are you a recreational walker who's thinking about "picking up your pace" and would enjoy talking to racewalkers about the sport? If this describes you, it's probably time to find a club, attend or enter an event and start having fun! You can draw inspiration from elite racewalker Karen Stoyanowski, pictured here as she approaches the finish line at the 2006 Bidwell Classic Half-Marathon (13.1 miles). She completed the race in 2.5 hours (2:32:07.3).

Wendy Bumgardner (our Walking Encyclopedia) has compiled a Racewalking Event Calendar and you'll find a Racewalking Club Locator on her site, too.

In Northern California, plan to join Sierra Racewalkers on Sunday, April 23 for the Frank Quilantang 5K Racewalk at Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks, California. This memorial event is held annually in honor of Quilantang who coached the St. George Track Club in Stockton, CA. For years he devoted his time to train the city's youth in track and field and racewalking. Quilantang's grandson, Mark Quilantang, usually races with the group.

There will be two races held on the 400 meter all-weather track--one beginning at 8:45 a.m. and a second race at 9:30 a.m. Racewalkers, who typically walk anywhere from an 8-minute mile to a 15-minute mile, will probably finish in 25 to 45 minutes. All racewalkers are welcome to participate. Anyone who wants to learn about racewalking or find out more about the Sierra Racewalkers Club, is encouraged to attend.

For an event application (required along with the $15 entry fee) go to http://snipurl.com/quilantangform. For more information contact The Sierra Racewalkers Club, 916.725.3332, http://www.sierraracewalkers.org.

Photo Caption: Elite Racewalker Karen Stoyanowski Approaches the Finish Line at the 2006 Bidwell Classic Half-Marathon

Photo Credit: Sandy Flint, Sierra Racewalkers

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