Women’s race walk world records set at European championships

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Race walk world records were set in the inaugural women’s half-marathon and marathon events at the European championships on Saturday.

Spain’s María Pérez took gold in the half marathon race walk by finishing in 1 hour, 30 minutes, 6 seconds. About two hours later, 21-year-old Sofia Fiorini of Italy won the marathon race walk title when she crossed the line in 3:15.11

Both marks constitute new world records for disciplines that became official distances only in January, governing body World Athletics said.

“World Athletics set 1:30:30 as the performance standard required for the inaugural women’s half marathon world record and 3:17:00 for the women’s marathon world record,” the governing body explained.

“Pérez surpassed the former by 24 seconds and Fiorini the latter by 1:49, making them the inaugural official world record-holders for the two distances.”

Both world records are subject to the usual ratifications.

The 30-year-old Pérez also holds the world record for the 35-kilometer race walk.

___

See full AP coverage of European sports here

Women's race walk world records set at European championships | iNFOnews.ca
Spain’s Maria Perez wins the women’s half marathon walk at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Morgan Harlow)
Women's race walk world records set at European championships | iNFOnews.ca
Italy’s Sofia Fiorini wins the women’s marathon walk at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Morgan Harlow)
Women's race walk world records set at European championships | iNFOnews.ca
Italy’s Sofia Fiorini reacts after winning the women’s marathon walk at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Morgan Harlow)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.