Yellowknife (Aug 15/03) - In keeping with its "recreational spirit," the Yellowknife Marathon will include walking competitions for the first time in the event's 15-year history.

The 15th annual Yellowknife Marathon will be adding two walking competitions this year -- a 10-kilometre and a 21-kilometre walk. They'll be timed, but walkers, as well as marathoners, are encouraged to take their time. Here, a competitor in the 2001 Yellowknife Marathon, crosses the finish line. - NNSL photo

The walking events associated with the Aug. 23-24 marathon will be competitive, but only -- as in the running ones -- if the participants want it to be so.

Yes, competitors will be timed, and yes, there will be prizes. But organizer Terry Chang considers both the walking and running events a form of "self-competition."

"I guess it's because I'm such a recreational athlete that I want to dispel the myth that this race and all marathons are highly competitive," she said. "Nowhere in the rules does it say in any marathon that you can't walk occasionally."

Whether participating in the full (42.2-kilometre) or half-marathons, the new 10-kilometre and 21-kilometre walking competitions, people are encouraged to take it at their own pace.

"I know of no marathon rule sheet that says that runners aren't allowed to run for 10 minutes, walk for a few minutes, and then run again."

In fact, if marathoners want to stroll into the finish in six hours after the start, they're encouraged to do so. The walkers are also encouraged to take their time, if need be, Chang says.

For those who still feel they can't handle a leisurely 21-kilometre walk, then a pre-event fun walk is scheduled (free of charge) the day before the Aug. 24 marathon.

If inspiration is what people need, then they should take in Sandy McCallum's talk on Aug. 23 over a pasta dinner. Apparently a great storyteller, McCallum will describe her experiences running in the gruelling 150-mile, seven-day Sahara marathon-stage race. She's competed four times despite being a former smoker.

McCallum's next big feat will be a two-year trip across the entire breadth of the Sahara Desert, from Morocco to Egypt, on a camel. She'll be using the 42.2-kilometre Yellowknife Marathon as a warm-up, Chang says.

Holly Gerke, head coach of the Edmonton Racewalkers Club, will hold a racewalking clinic for those interested in learning the technique. She's participated in five World Cup race walk championships and three Pan-American Cups. So she knows about racewalking.

Early bird registration has been extended from Aug. 10 to Aug. 20.

Those interested can register at Arctic Spirit Sportswear, The Racquet Club and Body Works Fitness Centre.