What Is Walkathon?

By Patricia | August 2, 2010
Walkathon Tips

Walking is an effective exercise method that is employed by many people across the world simply because of how easy and accessible it is. Walking essentially requires only one piece of equipment which is a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Walking can be used by both young and old as a way of spending some energy and building up a measure of fitness. Marathon walking is in fact very popular as both a sporting event and also for fitness. Walking can be used for general fitness and even as an exercise routine as one can moderate speed, distance and time based on what the requirements are. People often use pedometers to measure the distance that they have walked. This allows the walk to be judged in an accurate manner so that the desired amount of exercise can be undertaken by an individual. Walking can be a recreational activity as well and some people find it to be a particularly pleasurable pastime.

What Is Marathon?

A marathon is a race conducted over a long distance. The official distance for a marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 kilometers). This distance is used for competitive marathon walking events across the world. Often there are smaller distances used for amateurs and members of the public to participate as well. Marathons can be extremely grueling with many athletes failing to make the finish simply because they have run out of energy. There are various different techniques used by people to maintain their strength and energy including consuming drinks and food supplements during the race.

Marathon walking is typically referred to as a walkathon. A walkathon may be competitive or non competitive. Competitive walkathons are often referred to as race walking events. Marathon walking is a competitive sport which involves a timed race that is presided over by judges. It is an Olympic sport conducted over distances ranging from 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) and 31 miles (50 kilometers). The other type of endurance walking race is generally used for publicity events or charity events and is less competitive. In many cases shorter distance marathons turn into walkathons, specifically the parts of the course open to the general public. A walkathon is extremely useful for mobilizing large groups of people because it is easy to perform and therefore quite popular. Walkathons are also used as fund raising events designed to draw awareness to various diseases or conditions. They may also be used for charity events targeted at particular global events such as floods, wars or famines. Like marathons, walkathons are typically conducted on public roads which have been specially closed for the event.

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