10K run

The 10K run is a long-distance road running competition over a distance of ten kilometers (6.2 miles). Also referred to as the 10K road race, 10 km, or simply 10K, it is one of the most common types of road running event, alongside the half marathon and marathon. It is usually distinguished from the 10,000 metres track running event by stating the distance in kilometers, rather than meters.

As one of the shortest common road distances, many 10K races attract high levels of public participation. Among the largest 10K races, the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, United States had over 55,000 participants in 2011 while the Vancouver Sun Run and Bolder Boulder both had close to 50,000 runners. The popularity of 10K races lies in the fact that, for most adults, the 10K distance is long enough to represent a challenge but short enough to remain accessible for an untrained runner.

Most popular 10K races are an annual fixture in a city or area and typically incorporate an element of charity running, where participants raise funds for a cause based upon their completion of the course. Members of the public may take part in the races as a competition or simply for pleasure as a fun run. Some races also allow wheelchair racers to enter. Traditional New Year's Day races in Europe (Silvesterläuf) are often held over 10K.

10 kilometres race walk

The 10 kilometres race walk, or 10-kilometer racewalk, is a racewalking event. The event is competed as a road race. Athletes must always keep in contact with the ground and the supporting leg must remain straight until the raised leg passes it. 10 kilometers is 6.21 miles.

History

It was introduced at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm for men, and the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona for women. It is no longer an Olympic event for women, having been changed to 20 km in 1999, though it is run in some international competitions.

World records

On May 28, 2000, Roman Rasskazov of Russia set a new 10-km race walk world record in Saransk in a time of 37:11. The all-time women's 10-km race-walk record is held by Yelena Nikolayeva of Russia, at 41:04.

U.S. records

On April 20, 2004, Timothy Seaman set the new U.S. 10-km walk record of 39:22.7 in Storetveitmarsje, Norway. On August 7, 1995, Michelle Rohl set the U.S. 10-km walk record of 44:17 in Göteborg, Sweden.

Olympic medalists