New distances for race walking events introduced

The World Athletics council approved the introduction of new official senior road distances for race walking events, the athletics ruling body said in a statement on Wednesday. The 20-kilometre race walk will change to a half marathon walk (21.0975km), and the 35km race walk to a marathon race walk (42.195km). The changes will come into force from January 1, 2026 in senior World Athletics events. (DPA)