Imagine how I felt when Jim Lorimer, the co-founder and co-producer (along with good friend Arnold Schwarzenegger) of the Arnold Sports Festival called me one morning as I was planning the 2008 New Albany Walking Classic: “Phil, I’ve received so many great reports about the success of the New Albany Walking Classic, and because racewalking is an Olympic sport, I would like to add this event to the 2009 Arnold Sports Festival with you directing it.”

This was an opportunity I could not turn down. After all, I had initiated the New Albany Walking Classic with the goals of promoting health through walking and elevating the status of walking as a serious athletic undertaking. What better venue to help me meet those goals than the Arnold Sports Festival?

From the past to the present
In 1970 Jim Lorimer and Arnold Schwarzenegger, after a friendly handshake, agreed to co-promote bodybuilding competitions in the United States. What has evolved is something extraordinary. From March 6 through 8, more than 17,000 athletes and 160,000 fitness enthusiasts will converge on downtown Columbus to partake in the Arnold Sports Festival. They will visit 650 exhibitors and participate in or view 37 events and 11 Olympic sports. And when I dine at a downtown restaurant during the Arnold weekend, I will not only see people with well-defined musculatures gorging on thick steaks, but numerous other athletes thin in stature and dining on carbs so they can store the necessary energy to compete in the Arnold 5K Racewalk. Racewalking and walking in general are soaring in popularity and with its association with the Arnold, they’re beginning to bask in the prestige they deserve.

Can I take advantage of racewalking in the Arnold 5K Racewalk?
Perhaps I should begin by answering the most common question that many people will ask. “What is racewalking and can I participate in the 5K if I don’t ‘racewalk?’” In the purest sense, racewalking incorporates a specific technique. Walkers who compete in the Olympics are required to have contact with the ground at all times and the lead foot must strike the ground with the forward knee in a locked position. The knee is required to remain in a locked position until it passes the vertical plane of the body. In a judged racewalk, a competitor who violates this rule is disqualified.

The Arnold 5K Racewalk will not be a judged race. While a number of walkers will incorporate the racewalking technique and, in fact, walk as fast as a 7 minute-per-mile pace, the overwhelming majority of participants are expected to be power walkers, speed walkers or casual walkers. This is no different than the walkers who participate in the New Albany Walking Classic, the nation’s largest walking-only event. The main point is all walkers are encouraged to participate in the Arnold Racewalk. The only requirement is participants must walk the 5K (3.1 miles) distance the entire time. Any running whatsoever will be grounds for disqualification whether done for a few steps or a minute. Whether you want to walk for health or for competition, the Arnold 5K Racewalk will provide a unique opportunity for male and female athletes who participate. Check out the registration details and goodies participants will receive by visiting www.arnoldsportsfestival.com or www.runwildracing.com.

The Active Aging Festival and walking
The Arnold Active Aging Festival showcases key speakers and events promoting health and wellness. This year, walking will be one of the areas highlighted with yours truly coordinating a myriad of different aspects about walking. A workshop highlighting the health benefits of walking, racewalking technique and the latest walking gear will prepare you for the 5K Racewalk. With participation from Fleet Feet Sports, Active Aging attendees will receive information on how to choose the best shoes for walking, how to select a sports bra (not for women only) and how to dress for success when walking.

Make the Arnold Sports Festival a must for your athletic prowess. Get ready to walk for health and (if you wish) competition. I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the Active Aging Festival, as well as on race day.

Dr. Philip Heit is Professor Emeritus of Physical Activity at The Ohio State University.