Competitive Racewalking Debuts At The Open Meeting

Many thanks to Nick Fleeman for this contribution

Winchester, July 16, 2025

History was made at the WADAC Evening Open Meeting as race walking, for the first time, took centre stage on the programme. The 2000m race, judged to an A standard by highly qualified and experienced officials Verity Snook, Denise von Roretz, and Alfie Wells, proved to be a thrilling success, leaving participants and organisers alike buzzing for more.

The event, as part of the Southern Race Walking Association’s initiative to promote the discipline within its catchment area, was organised by WADAC Head of Walks, Derek Smith, who saw his dedicated efforts pay off. "I'm thrilled that race walking made its debut at the Open,” said a delighted Derek. “ It’s something I’m definitely going to push for the club to host more events in future Open meetings, building on this success." Derek extended his thanks to all competitors and judges who generously gave up their time to make the event possible.

A Night of Personal Bests and Close Finishes

The competition itself was fierce, with athletes pushing their limits and delivering impressive performances:

* Natasha Mitchell (Southampton AC), an Under 23 woman, clinched first place with a remarkable time of 10:01.75, shaving a full 7 seconds off her personal best.

* The battle for second and third was incredibly tense. Marcin Wojtowicz (WADAC), a veteran male 35, ultimately secured second with 10:53.10. Hot on his heels was David Mitchell, Natasha’s father, who clocked a massive personal best of 10:53.41. David, who dipped under 11 minutes for the first time, tracked Marcin the entire race in an incredibly close affair. This outstanding performance also puts David at number 1 in the UK rankings for veteran male 50 age category for 2000 metres race walking.

* Jack Wynn, a previously unknown athlete from Somerset, made a truly remarkable debut. Benefitting from bespoke advice from the judges before and after the race, his time of 11:42.71 is outstanding for a first competitive outing. Jack is currently unattached to a club.

* Derek Smith (WADAC), a veteran male 70, showcased flawless technique, earning compliments from the judges, as he completed the race in 14:13.29.

* Mark Pocock (Southampton AC), a veteran male 45, also put in a strong performance in 14:26.31.

The event was extremely well received by all who took part, and the enthusiasm for race walking is clearly high. More events are certainly on the horizon! Congratulations to Derek!

Well I was there is spirit (but sadly, not in body)!!!!!!!!!!