Olympic Speed Walking Pace and Speeds
Olympic speed walkers maintain a pace that is faster than a typical walking stride but slower than a running stride. In the 20 km race walk, elite men finish in roughly 1 hour 18 minutes to 1 hour 22 minutes, which translates to an average speed of about 14.5 to 15.5 km/h (9.0 to 9.6 mph). Women in the same event typically finish in about 1 hour 26 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, averaging around 13.3 to 14.0 km/h (8.3 to 8.7 mph). In the 50 km race walk, men cover the distance in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, sustaining an average pace of about 14.3 to 15.0 km/h (8.9 to 9.3 mph). These speeds are verified by World Athletics race results and Olympic timing data World Athletics Olympic Games.
Speed walking pace is measured in steps per minute and kilometers per hour. Top Olympic race walkers take between 180 and 230 steps per minute while keeping one foot in contact with the ground at all times. The fastest 20 km race walkers reach peak speeds of 16 km/h (10 mph) during the middle laps of a race. The 50 km event demands a more even pace, with athletes rarely exceeding 15.5 km/h (9.6 mph) because of the longer distance. World Athletics rulebooks define the walking technique and speed limits to distinguish race walking from running World Athletics Race Walking Technique.
Olympic Race Distances and Event Rules
20 km Race Walk
The 20 km race walk is the standard Olympic event for both men and women. The course is typically a flat loop with refreshment stations every 5 km. Athletes must maintain contact with the ground and keep their leading leg straight from the moment it touches the ground until it passes under the body. Judges can issue red cards for violations, and three red cards result in disqualification. World Athletics publishes the official competition rules and technical regulations for race walking events World Athletics Technical Rules.
50 km Race Walk
The 50 km race walk is a men-only Olympic event that tests endurance as much as speed. The course is usually a 2.5 km or 5 km loop that athletes complete 10 to 20 times. The event requires strict pacing because the distance is more than double the 20 km race. Top finishers in recent Olympic cycles have completed the course in just over 3 hours 30 minutes, with an average speed close to 14.3 km/h (8.9 mph). The event is governed by the same World Athletics rules as the 20 km race walk, including the contact and straight leg requirements World Athletics Olympic Games.
Top Olympic Speed Walkers and Records
Fastest Olympic Times
The fastest Olympic 20 km men's time is 1 hour 18 minutes 46 seconds, set by Chen Ding at the 2012 London Games. The fastest women's 20 km time is 1 hour 25 minutes 16 seconds, set by Yang Jiayu at the 2