WORLD NEWS
New racewalking event, first world records, 2 set in one day
The first world records were set on the same day in the women’s half-marathon racewalking and marathon racewalking, which became official events. Spain’s Maria Pérez recorded a time of 1 hour, 30 minutes and 6 seconds, and Italy’s Sofia Fiorini recorded a time of 3 hours, 15 minutes and 11 seconds.
Although the two records were marked as world records in the World Association of Athletics Federations results, the records immediately after the competition are usually subject to a ratification process and must be distinguished from the final record certification.
What’s new?
The World Association of Athletics Federations has made the half marathon and marathon walk distances official distances from January 1, 2026. Since it is difficult to directly compare records with existing records when a new event is reorganized, the first record is meaningful in establishing a baseline for the distance. This event produced the first official world record holders in two women’s events.
How much were the two records?
Perez finished the women’s half marathon race walk in 1 hour, 30 minutes and 6 seconds on August 15, 2026, at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. Fiorini finished the women’s marathon walk in 3 hours, 15 minutes, 11 seconds. The World Association of Athletics Federations set the standard for the new women’s half marathon record at 1 hour 30 minutes 30 seconds and the standard for the marathon record at 3 hours 17 minutes, and the two athletes were 24 seconds and 1 minute 49 seconds faster than the standards, respectively.
Why are they both first holders?
This is because distance itself became an official event starting this year. Even if you have a good time in an existing 20km or 35km race walk, the first official world record for the new distance will be determined by separate race results and regulations. Therefore, this record is not an example of slightly reducing an old record, but rather an example of setting the starting point for a new sport.
Where can I check the results?
On the World Association of Athletics Federations’ competition results page, Perez’s time of 1 hour 30 minutes and 6 seconds is listed as WR. The federation’s match report also presents both athletes’ records and medal results. Independent news agency AFP also reported the two records and final results separately.
What are we still waiting for?
Records marked immediately after competition are subject to the normal ratification procedures, including doping testing, race regulation compliance, course and measurement, etc. The Federation report also indicated with an asterisk that it was subject to a ratification process. What has now been confirmed is the record from the official competition, and the record notation will be confirmed once the final ratification is announced.
official source material
World Athletics official report