THE RACE WALKING ASSOCIATION

Feature of the Month for June, 2008
The Younger Age Groups' Grand Prix
As part of its drive to increase participation in the sport by young people, the Race Walking Association holds a Grand Prix competition throughout the year. The number of events involved is usually ten (although this may vary) and a walker counts his or her best races towards the final total. Technically speaking, the number of races to count is the smallest number that is not less than half the total number of races avaialable; if there are ten races, five count and if there are eleven, six count.

This competition has been going now for some years and we believe that it helps to encourage the young walkers – and their parents, of course – to travel to events in remote parts of the country that might not othewise attract them. The rivalry is very lively and it is rare for a walker to be sure of victory before th end of the season, which begins in October.

This season, the races included are:
Event
 Promoting Body
 Venue
Claire Powell Open
 Dudley & Stourbridge Harriers
 Dudley
London Open
 Loughton Athletic Club
 Victoria Park, London
Molly Barnett Open
 Coventry Godiva Harriers
 Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa
Jeff Ford Open
 City of Sheffield A.C.
 Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield
R.W.A. Championships
 Loughton Athletic Club
 Victoria Park, London
Southern One Hour
 R.W.A. Southern Area
 Central Park, Dartford
Micky Brown Memorial
 Steyning Athletic Club
 Broadbridge Heath, Horsham
Alan Flear Open
 Nuneaton Harriers
 Pingles Leisure Centre, Nuneaton
England Athletics Track Champs
 England Athletics
 Various venues
Jim Sharlott Open
Leicester Walking Club
 Abbey Park, Leicester


The Grand Prix Presentations to individuals and Clubs are made at a suitable event of function at the end of the season.

The Organiser of the Grand Prix, on behalf of the Race Walking Associaiton, is Colin Vesty of Leicester Walking Club and he is responsible for the dedicated web site, which is to be found at:
http://www.rwa-gp.jivenet.co.uk ; the site contains information on Fixtures, Scores, Results, Links, etc. and Colin would welcome comments.


See previous months' Features