NOTC Racewalking

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Both casual walkers and competitive racewalkers are welcome at all NOTC events. Competitive racewalkers must be familiar with and follow the regulations and requirements below.

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To receive information on area racewalking events or for questions, comments, or general information contact the NOTC Racewalking Coordinator at NOTC@runNOTC.org.

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A FREE racewalking clinic will be conducted to familiarize participants with racewalking techniques and regulations as well as demonstrations and individual guidance. U.S.A.
Track and Field (USATF) certified racewalking judges will be present to conduct the training. Racewalking offers another option for achieving personal fitness and is suitable for those of all ages. Most importantly, racewalking is not about speed. Racewalking is a technique or style of walking and is a practical, inexpensive form of exercise.

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Please join us at the fountain close to the entrance to Audubon Park on St. Charles Avenue, across from Loyola and Tulane Universities, on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM for the clinic. The clinic will last approximately 60 minutes. There is no charge for the clinic.

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Racewalking 101

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USATF Racewalker Regulations

USA Track and Field Rule 232.2 states the definition of racewalking as a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground so that no visible (to the human eye) loss of contact with the ground occurs. One foot must be in contact with the ground at all times. The advancing leg must be straightened (i.e., not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until the leg is in the vertical upright position. Running or run/walking is not acceptable and will result in disqualification.

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USATF governs clothing worn during competition. Per USATF Rule 143, participants must not wear clothing that could impede the view of the judges. Shorts cannot cover the knees, long pants must be of materials that cling to the legs such as lycra, spandex, etc. and must be form fitting such as leggings. Long pants or leggings must be calf length or ankle length or worn well above the knee. Long pants must be solid in color, no stripes, flowers or any designs as judges must be able to see the competitors' knees. No jogging pants (sweats) allowed!

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Racewalkers shall not use any video, recordings, phones, headphones, computers, or any similar devices during competition. GPS timing/tracking watches are acceptable.

Disqualification may occur for loss of contact (i.e., running or "lifting") or bent knees. Judges will give the signal to racewalkers on the course by holding up the judge's "paddle" with the symbol indicating either bent knee (>) or loss of contact (^^^). Infractions will be recorded by participant's race number. Disqualification from a race occurs when a competitor receives three infractions from three different judges.

 

However, if a racewalker participant is blatantly running, a single judge may determine that the participant should be disqualified.

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All racewalker judges must be currently certified by USATF per Rule 230.1(e).

USATF regulations for racewalking can be found in Section VI of the USATF regulations.

NOTC Racewalker Requirements

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1. On race day the racewalker participant must pick up their race packet and then immediately check-in at the "Racewalker Check-In" table. A second bib, usually yellow or orange in color, will be provided upon check-in with the racewalker participant's race number hand written on the bib. This yellow or orange bib must be placed on the front of the racewalker participant's clothing. The standard, pre-printed race number/bib must be placed on the back of the racewalker participant's clothing. If the racewalker has not checked in at the racewalker check-in table, he or she will not be scored as a racewalker and will not be eligible for racewalkers awards or Grand Prix points. Division changes will not be allowed after completion of the race.

2. Races with a distance of over 10K will have a mandatory early start. All racewalkers will start 30 minutes prior to the posted starting time set for runners and general race participants. Official race times will be adjusted to account for the 30 minute early start.

3. Races with a large number of participants may have a second start for racewalkers. The second start or delayed start will generally be one or two minutes after the start for other race participants. This delay time will be deducted from the official clock time for the racewalker participant at the end of the race.

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Racewalker Awards

NOTC races are governed by Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and USA Track & Field (USATF) regulations. Individuals cannot be scored in alternative divisions (runner and racewalker) at the same event. (USATF Rule 246.2 and IAAF Rules Section VII, Rule 230 apply.) Racewalker registrants will be considered only for racewalker division awards at NOTC events. Racewalkers who are current members of NOTC are also eligible for Racewalker Division awards in the Grand Prix Series.

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Racewalking Clinics

NOTC conducts two racewalking clinics each year. The date and place of these clinics will be announced on the NOTC website. If you would like information on scheduling a racewalking clinic for your organization, contact the Racewalking Coordinator at racewalking@runNOTC.org.

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Helpful Websites

You may find the website below helpful in starting a walking program and learning the basics of racewalking:

• Race Walking Technique on Racewalk.com