Women’s 5K Classic Competitive Walk
We offer one of the only competitive walks in the Lehigh Valley for those who wish to participate and be eligible for awards based on their walk time. Those who wish to enjoy the day in a less competitive environment can line up towards the back of the walk and stroll at your leisure. PARTICIPANTS earning AWARDS in the WALK category MUST WALK all portions of the 5K Walk; running is not authorized. If you would like to walk and run, please sign up for the run or loop.
Location: Little Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, PA
Packet Pickup: Friday, October 4, 2024 OR on Saturday, October 5, 2024
Walk Course Details and Map: The 2.9 mile walk will start with a gradual climb as you head toward the Covered Bridge. You will be challenged with a few rolling hills but your efforts will be rewarded with a slight downhill towards the end of the course so you can finish with a smile. Most of the course will be on hard packed cinder surface. See the course map highlighted in YELLOW arrows for the Competitive Walk Course.
| February 29 | March 1-August 31 | September 1-Oct. 1 |
| $35 | $40 | $45(NOT guaranteed a t-shirt or bag after Sept.15) |
In-Spirit – You would like a participant shirt but cannot attend the event. Shirt must be picked up at the expo. Rates according to time frames listed above.
On-Line registration ends midnight on October 1, 2024
Last day to change events – September 15, 2024 (but it can be done at the expo)
T-shirt guaranteed if registered by September 15, 2024.
Expo Registration – $50.00
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The Women’s 5K Classic Competitive Walk has become quite popular and very competitive. In order to provide a fair environment the W5K has established Competitive Walk guidelines for the event. There will be course marshals assigned to monitor the entire Competitive Walk course. Only participants who abide by the Competitive Walk guidelines will be eligible for awards.
Rules: The event takes place rain or shine. We ask that there are no headphones (you must be able to hear race officials), skates, strollers or bikes on the course. We also do not allow dogs or pets of any kind. It will be too crowded and we want all participants to have a positive and safe experience. We do have assigned lead bikers for the 5K Run and Competitive Walk. Thank you for being mindful of the other participants and respect of the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.
Awards: Top 10 awards will be based on gun time. Age group awards will be based on tag time. Decisions of race officials are final. Awards will not be duplicated. Please visit this page for listing of awards for which all runners are eligible. Awards will not be mailed.
Team Competition: All teams will be eligible for team awards. Our timing source will calculate finish times and the average of the 5 fastest racers will generate a time. The best time will designate our first place team.
Team Spirit Award: Is your team loud and proud to show it?! Are you a big or small group that SHOUTS spirit?! We are recognizing the team that shows the MOST spirit at our event! We challenge you to BE that team!!!
DEFINITION OF RACE WALKING
Race Walking is a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground so that no visible (to the human eye) loss of contact occurs. The advancing leg must be straightened (i.e., not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until the leg is in the vertical upright position.
Guidelines:
1. One foot must maintain contact with the ground at all times.
2. Lead leg must be straight.
3. Heel to toe foot placement.
Form:
1. Maintain an upright posture.
2. Hold elbows at 90 degrees and really pump your arms.
3. Take shorter steps.
4. Roll through the bottom of your foot and push off your toes. Think heel to toe.
Disqualification Policy and Procedure:
1. Disqualification occurs when Course Official deems your technique does not conform to the Competitive Walk guidelines.
2. If a participant race number is listed on three (3) Course Officials clipboards that participant will be disqualified from the Competitive Walk.
3. Course Officials shall have the authority to disqualify any participant pending notification of W5K Awards Committee.
If disqualified, it means you will not be eligible for an award or listed in race results. You will be allowed to finish the race and get all the goodies that everyone else receives after the race. You may not know you have been disqualified until after the race is over. Every effort will be made to notify participant of a disqualification.
All decisions by the Course Officials & W5K Awards Committee are final.
Additional Resources:
Racewalk.com – Information on training, technique and more.