How Fast Do Race Walkers Walk? Elite Speeds Revealed

By Sarah Miller · January 23, 2044

Race walkers at the elite level typically walk between 7 to 9 miles per hour (11.3 to 14.5 km/h), with men averaging around 8.5 mph (13.7 km/h) in the 20km and 50km events. The fastest race walkers can exceed 9 mph (14.5 km/h) over shorter distances, maintaining speeds significantly faster than regular walking due to strict technique and rigorous training.

Understanding Race Walking Speeds

Race walking is a competitive endurance sport governed by strict rules enforced by World Athletics. Unlike running, race walkers must maintain constant ground contact and keep their advancing leg straight from the moment of first contact until it passes under the body. Despite these constraints, top athletes achieve remarkable speeds through specialized technique and conditioning.

Key Factors Influencing Race Walking Speed

Technique: Proper form maximizes stride efficiency while adhering to race rules.
Distance: Shorter races allow higher average speeds compared to longer events like the 50km.
Gender: Elite male walkers generally maintain slightly higher speeds than females due to physiological differences.
Training: High-volume training regimens improve aerobic capacity and muscular endurance.
Competition Level: Olympic and World Championship athletes walk significantly faster than amateurs or recreational walkers.

Elite Race Walking Speeds by Event

The following table presents average speeds and finishing times for top performers in major race walking events, based on recent World Athletics Championships and Olympic Games data.

Event	Gender	Average Speed (mph)	Average Speed (km/h)	Winning Time (Avg)	Recent Champion Example
20km	Men	8.6	13.8	1:18:00	Massimo Stano (ITA) – 1:17:54 (2023 WC)
20km	Women	7.8	12.6	1:27:00	Gong Lijiao (CHN) – 1:26:58 (2023 WC)
35km	Men	8.2	13.2	2:38:00	Perseus Karlström (SWE) – 2:37:23 (2023 WC)
35km	Women	7.5	12.1	2:45:00	Antonella Palmisano (ITA) – 2:42:47 (2023 WC)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that elite male race walkers maintain speeds over 8.5 mph in the 20km event, while women average just under 8 mph. Speed decreases slightly in longer 35km races due to fatigue and pacing strategy. Notably, the transition from 50km to 35km as the standard long-distance event has led to more aggressive pacing and improved average velocities.

How Race Walking Speed Compares to Other Forms of Locomotion

Race walking is often misunderstood as simply fast walking, but it occupies a unique niche between walking and running.

Speed Comparison Across Activities

Regular Walking: 3–4 mph (4.8–6.4 km/h)
Race Walking (Elite): 7–9 mph (11.3–14.5 km/h)
Jogging: 5–6 mph (8–9.7 km/h)
Running (Amateur): 6–8 mph (9.7–12.9 km/h)
Running (Elite Marathoners): ~12–13 mph (19.3–20.9 km/h)

This comparison highlights that elite race walkers are faster than most recreational runners. Their ability to sustain high speeds without breaking into a run demonstrates the effectiveness of proper race walking mechanics.

Techniques That Enable High-Speed Race Walking

Achieving such high speeds requires mastery of several biomechanical and physiological elements.

Core Components of Fast Race Walking

Double Support Phase: Maintaining two points of contact with the ground distinguishes race walking from running. Efficient transfer between legs reduces energy loss.
Leg Straightening: The forward leg must be straightened upon contact, maximizing stride length legally.
Hip Rotation: Powerful hip rotation increases stride length without overstriding.
Arm Drive: Strong, coordinated arm movement helps drive the body forward and maintain rhythm.
Cadence: Elite walkers take 180–220 steps per minute, comparable to runners.

Training Regimens of Top Race Walkers

Elite race walkers follow structured programs combining volume, intensity, and technical drills.

Typical Weekly Training Load

Volume: 100–140 km (60–85 miles) per week
Long Walks: 25–35 km (15–22 miles) at race pace
Interval Sessions: e.g., 5 x 2km at goal pace with short recovery
Strength Training: Focus on core, glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors
Technique Drills: Daily sessions focusing on form and rule compliance

Frequently Asked Questions About Race Walking Speed

How fast do Olympic race walkers go?

Olympic race walkers in the 20km event average between 8.5 mph (13.7 km/h) for men and 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h) for women. Men’s winning times are typically under 1 hour 20 minutes, translating to an average speed exceeding 8.5 mph.

Is race walking faster than running?

No, race walking is not faster than running at elite levels. However, elite race walkers are significantly faster than most recreational runners. While top runners exceed 13 mph in marathons, race walkers max out around 9 mph due to biomechanical constraints.

Why don’t race walkers run?

Race walkers don’t run because the sport’s rules require one foot to always be in contact with the ground and the advancing leg to be straightened. Violating these rules results in disqualification, so athletes optimize walking mechanics instead of breaking into a run.

Can you walk faster than you run?

No, humans cannot walk faster than they run in terms of maximum sustainable speed. The biomechanics of running allow for greater stride length and propulsion. However, trained race walkers can walk faster than untrained individuals can run over short distances.

What is the world record speed for race walking?

The fastest average speed in race walking was achieved in the men’s 20km, where Yusuke Suzuki walked 1:16:36 (2015), averaging 8.9 mph (14.3 km/h). This remains the highest sustained speed in official competition.