Hello Racewalk Community,
It’s been a whirlwind of a summer so far, full of challenges, breakthroughs, and record-breaking performances! From international competition in Poland and Colombia to national records set on home soil, USA Race Walking continues to show grit, unity, and momentum. We’re excited to share updates, results, and what’s ahead as we continue building toward Tokyo and beyond.
💬 Message from USA Racewalk Chair – Allen James
“The last two months have been a challenging and exciting time for USA Race Walking! Our races, plans, and schedules were tossed around, but we were able to be flexible, creative, and adaptable.
We kicked it off with sending a team to Poland for the Robert Korzeniowski Race Walking Cup. From my own personal experience, it’s not always about the results and this was a huge opportunity for our athletes to gain invaluable experience and come together as a team. Back at home, Katie Burnett would go out to set a new record for the 35,000m (track) the same weekend in Xenia, OH.
We were able to put a team of self-funded 35km athletes to the Pan Am Race Walking Cup for Anapoima, Colombia. We expected hot and humid conditions and based on my observations; it wasn’t as hot as we expected. The race course was perhaps the most difficult course I’ve ever seen for a major event. The elevation gain/loss was close to 20m (65’) per lap. To be fair, the downhill may have been more challenging on muscle typically used for walking. Race day saw frequent downpours, but everyone did extremely well considering the conditions. Again, it’s nearly impossible to describe the team effort and camaraderie experienced with this veteran team.
For both of these teams, it took a tremendous amount of time to plan and prepare as we had very little support from USATF. We are grateful for our staff liaison, Amy Begley, who was tremendously supportive for our Pan Am Cup team. Without the support of the USA Race Walking Foundation and the donation from former national team member Rob Cole, the Poland trip wouldn’t have happened.
There is a general theme – it takes a team. In order for Team USA to medal at major championships, we need to work together, athletes, coaches, and officials. These relationships, in my opinion, are strengthening through some of the adversity we’ve had to face this year and I’ll take that everyday. I’ll add that our officials have a great team too, working to clarify procedures and qualifications for stepping up to the next levels. Sure, walking is an individual event, but it takes a team to produce great results.
This past week, one of our team leaders, Nick Christie, conducted one of the best non-National Championship events in the US at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. What a fantastic pleasure it was to have athletes from all over the Americas, including 2012 silver medalist Erick Barrondo, walking 10,000m. Many records were set, with Lauren Harris’ performance at the top of the list, establishing a Road to Tokyo quota position. Thanks to Tracy Sundlun, our officials, and several volunteers for showing up and counting laps for this incredible event. We had a huge team from Skechers to observe and cheer us on. They were very impressed by this event and we hope this leads to more opportunities for many of our athletes!”
🇵🇱 RK Warsaw Race Walk Invitational – May 11, Warsaw, Poland
When the 10K and 20K teams were no longer allowed to compete at the Pan American Cup in South America, our committee jumped into action. We quickly secured full funding to send our qualified athletes to a World Athletics Gold Level race in Warsaw, Poland, turning a disappointing cancellation into an incredible opportunity. Even better, because the event was open to all, we were able to include self-funded USA athletes as part of the team, giving everyone the same unified and professional experience. What started as a challenge became one of the most memorable and rewarding trips we’ve been a part of!
Travel to Poland went off without a hitch with no missed flights, no major delays, and smooth arrivals all around.
A standout moment came right away as we reunited with longtime friends Andrzej C. (1996 USA Olympic Team) and Bogdan B. (1980 Polish Olympic Team), who graciously helped coordinate airport transportation to the Puro Hotel. (which was a fantastic choice by Allen that ended up being just right for our group.)
We were honored to be welcomed by race director Robert Korzeniowski, a four-time Olympic gold medalist in race walking, who greeted Team USA with open arms and extended an invitation for future participation. His hospitality, vision, and passion for the sport elevated the entire experience.
Our team captains, Nick Christie and Lauren Harris, set the tone with their leadership by organizing peaceful training walks along the river and bringing a calm, confident presence that helped guide the group. Their example made a real difference in creating a focused and unified team environment.
The energy was patriotic and proud, with plenty of USA fanfare to go around. The group had everything needed to stay race-ready: hydration, recovery tools, light massage work, and a relaxed vibe that helped everyone stay sharp and positive.
Coaches got creative, renting bikes to support workouts and making sure everyone had what they needed. Dinner reservations were secured in advance to keep things running smoothly, which is no small task for a group of 20! Mornings started with solid breakfasts at the hotel, and we fueled up with early Italian meals before the race, then celebrated with authentic Polish cuisine afterwards. The pierogies absolutely lived up to the hype!
Every athlete gave 100% and left it all out on the course. The meet itself was well-run, affordable, safe, and full of positive energy. Each athlete walked away with something valuable to take into their next phase of training.
We’re proud of this team, grateful for the support that made it possible, and excited to fully endorse the RK Warsaw event for future participation. Thank you for the opportunity to support Team USA. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
- Don Lawrence & Susan Armenta- Team USA Warsaw Coaches
Results:
- Men: Nick Christie (11th, 1:27:06), Jordan Crawford (14th, 1:30:53), Bricyn Healey (16th, 1:35:43), Nathan Limas (17th, 1:37:30)
- Women: Ruby Ray (9th, 1:46:33), Katie Smith (11th, 2:01:34)
- Men U20 10K: Gael Plasencia (5th, 46:45)
- Women U16 3K: Shyna Patel (3rd, 16:06)
🇨🇴 Pan American Cup – May 18, Anapoima, Colombia
As Chair, I didn’t expect to end up traveling to Colombia, it all came together pretty quickly! We started with seven athletes, then six decided to walk the 35km race in Anapoima. Nick had his friend Dylan lined up to help with aid, but we quickly realized that wasn’t enough. So my partner Angela stepped in to join us and help keep the athletes supported.
Nick Christie, Michael Mannozzi, and AJ Gruttadauro represented the men, while Maria Michta-Coffey, Katie Burnett, and Stephanie Casey competed for the women. We stayed at a wonderfully friendly hotel, with air conditioning or warm water, but honestly, what else would you expect this year? (Though refrigerators in the rooms was a nice surprise!)
The hospitality was incredible. The town even held a parade for the athletes, involving nearly all the local children. The women’s race started at 6:30 a.m., with the men following 15 minutes later. Then came the 20km races and the U20 10km events, turning the course into a busy and sometimes confusing scene for the final two hours. Dylan and Angela handled the pressure flawlessly while I focused on keeping track of laps and making sure the iced towels, ice scarves, and ice socks stayed ready and stocked.
It’s tough to really judge times from this event. Michael (20th) and AJ (21st) were there to support Nick (15th), and finishing as a full team on such a challenging day was a big achievement. But the highlight of the event came from the women’s team. Maria (5th), Katie (7th), and Stephanie (11th) pushed hard all day, battling strong competition. Their combined efforts earned the U.S. women second place overall, bringing home a well-deserved team trophy. It was a proud moment and a testament to their grit and determination.
The performance showed why the Pan American nations are some of the best racewalkers in the world, and why we need to keep sending our teams to these events to raise our game. After the races, we joined the whole town for the awards ceremony, celebrating alongside the incredible Racewalking community and the friendships that stretch beyond borders. Lina, our liaison, and Karen, the hotel manager, went above and beyond to make our stay special, and with heartfelt gratitude, we said goodbye to the lovely pueblo of Anapoima.
Allen James- USA Racewalk Chair & Team USA Coordinator at Pan American Cup, Colombia
Results:
- Women: Maria Michta-Coffey (5th, 3:06:23), Katie Burnett (3:08:35), Stephanie Casey (11th, 3:27:34)
- Men: Nick Christie (15th, 3:02:57), Michael Mannozzi (20th, 3:19:22), AJ Gruttadauro (21st, 3:26:47)
🇺🇸 American & Masters Records (PENDING)
- Jack Mortland Memorial Racewalk, May 5
- Katie Burnett – W35-39 American Records
- 25,000m —2:10:41
- 30,000m — 2:37:52
- 35,000 m — 3:04:17.75
- 2 hour — 22,950m
- Katie Burnett – W35-39 American Records
- Chula Vista International Invitational, June 22
- Lauren Harris –American Records
- 15,000m – 1:09:01.18
- 20,000m – 1:31:50.09 (NACAC Area Record)
- Nick Christie – American Record
- 35,000m – 2:38:53.96
- Katie Burnett-American & W35-39 Records
- 2-Hour – 23,263m
- 25,000m – 2:09:21.98
- 30,000m – 2:37:07.02
- Lydia McGranahan- W45-49 American Records
- 2-Hour – 21,000m*
- 25,000m – 2:22:43.58*
- 30,000m – 2:52:59.12*
- 35,000m – 3:23:55.27
- Michael Mannozzi- M35-39 American Records
- 2-Hour – 23,263m*
- 25,000m – 2:20:16.26*
- 30,000m – 2:49:57.96
- 35,000m – 3:17:57.00
*Also age group records for running!
🏁 Major Race Results
🔹 Penn Relays – April 26, Philadelphia, PA
- OD Women: Alegna Gonzalez (MEX) – 21:22.66; Lauren Harris (USA) – 21:52.58 (2nd)
- OD Men: Nick Christie (USA) – 20:53.94
- Full Results
🔹 Jack Mortland Memorial – May 5, Xenia, OH
- 35K: Katie Burnett – 3:04:17.75 (American W35-39 Record)
- Full Results
🔹 NAIA Championships – May 22, Marion, IN
- Women: Olivia Lundman (CAN) – 22:22.79; Izabelle Trefts (USA) – 23:22.70 (2nd)
- Men: Lowell Solmes (CAN) – 20:43.77; Cameron Nocton, (USA) – 20:52.79 (3rd)
- Results
🔹 USATF U20 Championships – June 20, Eugene, OR
- Women: Talia Green – 52:25.62
- Men: Jonny Jurchen – 48:43.04
- Results
🔹 Nike Outdoor Nationals – June 20, Eugene, OR
- Girls: Julie Scheffler – 54:26.11
- Boys: Joshua Rothery – 57:03.79
- Results
🔹 New Balance Outdoor Nationals – June 21, Philadelphia, PA
- Girls: Maya Piesik – 7:16.63
- Boys: Ian Britt – 6:46.15 (Meet Record)
- Results
🔹 CVETC International Invitational – June 22, Chula Vista, CA
- Lauren Harris (20K): 1:31:50.09 (American + NACAC Record)
- Nick Christie (35K): 2:38:53.96 (American Record)
- Full Results
📅 Upcoming Races & Events
- June 27 – USATF National Youth Championships – New York, NY
🔗 Results - July 17–20 – USATF Masters Outdoor Championships – Huntsville, AL
🔗 Entry Form - July 21–27 – USATF Junior Olympics – Savannah, GA
🔗 Meet Info - August 2 – USATF Outdoor Championships 20K – Eugene, OR
🔗 Event Info - August 15–17 – NACAC Senior Championships – Nassau, Bahamas
- September 13–21 – World Championships – Tokyo, Japan
⚖️ Racewalk Officials Updates
The 2026 RW Officials Selection applications will be posted to the USATF Race Walk Committee website starting September 15th and the application period will close on October 20th, 2025.
New World Athletics RW Judges testing and certification will occur every year through 2028. If you are interested in becoming a WA RW Judge, please review the USATF/WARECS RW Judge Candidate Process that will be posted on the USATF Race Walk Committee website within the next few days.
If you would like to be part of the RW Officials Database and receive notices and updates, please email Susan Heiser, Officials Subcommittee Chair, at racewalking@southcarolina.usatf.org.
Our next newsletter will cover July, August, and September. If you have any news, events, or updates to share, please email them to racewalksecretary@usatf.org.
If you’d like your event or announcement featured on the USA Race Walk website, please send details to racewalkvicechair@usatf.org.
Thank you all for your involvement with our event. We’re excited to share what’s ahead in the next quarter and beyond!
Janelle Branch
USA Racewalk Secretary