Message from USATF Race Walk Leadership
2025 marked a pivotal year for U.S. Race Walking. It brought meaningful successes alongside significant challenges as we worked together to rebuild the infrastructure needed for long-term growth. This progress reflects a true team effort driven by athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and administrators committed to moving our event forward.
Much of the foundational work is now in place. Through transparency, consistent communication, and modernization, including the launch of a centralized website, regular newsletters, and updated processes, we have positioned Race Walking to shift from rebuilding to growth as we look toward Los Angeles, Brisbane, and beyond.
A key component of this growth is centralized calendaring. All Invitational, Association, Regional, and National competitions that include a race walk, as well as camps and clinics, should be listed at:
https://usarw.racewalk.com/events
Association Race Walk Chairs will receive streamlined instructions in the new year to make this process simple. We also encourage everyone to use the “Subscribe to calendar” feature on the website, which syncs all events directly to your Google, Apple, or Microsoft calendar. Strong communication is essential so please share this widely within your Association and with others who may participate in these events.
Athletically, 2025 reinforced what our athletes are capable of. Four athletes represented the U.S. at the World Championships in Tokyo, with a fifth narrowly missing qualification. This is clear evidence that belief and opportunity matter. These performances, along with the ambition of emerging athletes, set the tone for raising standards and expanding our competitive base.
Looking ahead, our focus is on expanding opportunities at every level, youth through elite, while defining a clear pathway to Olympic success. Securing USATF funding for Poděbrady and sending full teams to the World Race Walking Team Championships in Brasília are important milestones. Exposure to top-level international competition helps build a culture focused on podium-level performance.
In 2026, Regional Development Representatives will begin planned outreach, serving as experienced, boots-on-the-ground resources to support local programs and continued growth. Additional opportunities for involvement will also be available for stakeholders at all levels of the event.
We are grateful to everyone contributing to this shared vision. While work remains, our direction is clear. Together, we are building a system that prepares U.S. race walkers not just to compete, but to contend.
With gratitude,
Allen James & Michael Roth
USATF Race Walk Chair & Vice Chair
Upcoming Races
- Jan 11 – USATF Marathon RW Championship, Santee, CA
- Feb 1 – Millrose Games, 1 Mile Race Walk National Championship, New York, NY
- Feb 28–March 1 – USATF Indoor Championship, Staten Island, NY
(Note: no travel funding or prize money) - March 8 – Half Marathon RW World Team Champs Selection Event (Location TBD)
- April 12 – World Race Walking Team Championships, Brasília, Brazil
The full calendar of events for all age groups can be found at https://usarw.racewalk.com/events/
2026 Elite Standards
Click here to view the 2026 standards document. Will also be posted on the 2025 Documents Library shortly
Qualifying procedures for 2026 World Team Champs in Brasilia, Brazil and World Athletics U20 World Championships can be found here.
RW Officials Committee Update
The RW Officials Committee has coordinated with the National Officials Committee to include Race Walk specific articles in the monthly officials newsletter. These articles highlight information important to race walk judges, officials, and meet directors.
Recent articles are available here:
https://usarw.racewalk.com/noc-articles/
Please feel free to share this resource with your Associations.
Annual Meeting Recap
Minutes from the General Session of the Annual Meeting are available here and will also be posted to the USATF Document Librarywithin the week. All executive committee meeting minutes are posted to our website once approved so please check back periodically for updates.
Athletes in Action – On the Rise Race Walk Camp
NAIA athletes kicked off the 2025–26 indoor season by competing in a 3,000m race walk on November 15, 2025, as part of the On the Rise Race Walk Camp hosted by Athletes in Action. The three-heat event took place at Cedarville University and featured 27 athletes from 14 schools/clubs representing five nations.
In the men’s race, Cole Bennett and Owen Nolte finished nearly stride-for-stride in 12:22.74 and 12:23.70, respectively. Ian Britt, a high school athlete from Maine, posted a strong 13:49.47.
The women’s race was swept by Cumberlands athletes Heather Durrant (14:37.73), Lillian Bittencourt (16:01.10), and Hannah Durrant (16:14.56). Masters athlete Liz Dufour finished in 18:07.46.
The race served as a capstone to a weekend-long camp focused on physical, mental, and spiritual development. Camp staff included:
- Ian Whatley – technique evaluation and drills
- Susan Heiser – judging insight and error avoidance
- Marc Mundell – sport psychology and goal-setting
- Joel Pfahler – training principles and spiritual development
Athletes stayed at the Athletes in Action Sports Complex in Xenia, OH, participating in team-building activities and working with a certified athletic trainer for injury management and recovery. Coaches noted meaningful improvements in athlete health and technique following the camp.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with immediate interest in returning in 2026.
“This camp was my favorite part of my sophomore year so far.” — Lucien, Cumberlands
“The expertise and faith focus were incredible.” — Jack, Concordia (NE)
“Our athlete finally got cues that seem to be unlocking progress.” — Steve Hoger, Concordia Coach
Click here to view photos and videos from this year’s camp. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026 and beyond!
Thank you all for your continued support of USA Race Walking! Looking forward to big things in 2026!