Rebecca Henderson and Masatora Kawano achieved world-record performances in the marathon race walk in Takahata, Japan. Henderson clocked 3 hours 14 minutes 52 seconds and Kawano 2 hours 55 minutes 14 seconds in heavy rain. Both were making their debuts at the distance, and both performances remain subject to ratification.
Australia’s Rebecca Henderson and Japan’s Masatora Kawano set world-record performances in the marathon race walk at the All Japan meeting in Takahata, Japan. Henderson finished in 3 hours 14 minutes 52 seconds and Kawano in 2 hours 55 minutes 14 seconds. Both performances remain subject to the usual ratification procedure. The competition was held in heavy rain, on a course with a slight rise and fall of around one metre each lap.[1], [2]
The half marathon and marathon became official race walk distances at the start of the year. A threshold of 2 hours 56 minutes 30 seconds had been set for the inaugural men’s marathon world record. Kawano went below that mark on his debut at the distance. He accelerated away from the leading group after 36 kilometres. Kazuya Iwai followed but finished second in 2 hours 55 minutes 55 seconds.[1]
Henderson was also making her marathon debut. She led alone from start to finish and improved the 3 hours 15 minutes 11 seconds recorded by Sofia Fiorini at the European Championships in Birmingham in August. Japan’s Ayane Yanai placed second in 3 hours 29 minutes 10 seconds, setting a national record. Masumi Fuchise finished third in 3 hours 38 minutes 42 seconds.[1]
