by Darlene Backlund
I started racewalking at 50 and am now 79. Competing in races has always been my motivation, giving me a goal to work toward. Racewalking is a judged track and field event and was once the longest track and field race in the Olympics, covering 50K or 31.1 miles. However, after the 2021 Tokyo Games, it was removed from the program and had previously only been open to men.
Over the years, I have completed ten 50K races. My first was at age 64 and my last at 74, which was also the final National Championship 50K held in the U.S. in 2020. Along the way, I set four age group world records. Most recently, I participated in the National USATF 35K Championship race in Santee, California, on January 12, 2025.
One of the things I love most about racewalking is competing alongside U.S. Olympic athletes. In Santee, I had the chance to race with Allen James, a two-time Olympian who competed in the 50K at the 1996 Atlanta Games. At 60, he set a new American age group record.
Motivation to Move
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise because you can do it anywhere and no special equipment is needed.
On February 8, I joined my friend Julie for a walk in honor of her 72nd birthday. To celebrate, she walked 7.2 miles. As I passed another walker heading in the opposite direction, he smiled and said, “It’s going to be a
record today.”
I also walk regularly with a group that has been meeting at Pybus for nine years. We gather two to three times a week to walk and socialize over coffee, sometimes even braving the snow to keep our tradition alive.
A Trail for Everyone
Wenatchee offers one of the best trails for walking, running, biking, and connecting with others. No matter what motivates you, whether it’s a birthday, a personal record, a race, or simply the joy of moving, there is something special about getting outside and being active.
Looking for a goal to get you moving? On April 19, the Apple Loop Trail in Wenatchee will host a USATF certified marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Maybe one of these distances will inspire you to get out and walk!
If you are interested in learning the racewalk technique, I would be happy to help. Contact me at 951-536-8874 to set up a training session.
