'Electric' atmosphere at Enfield's Olympic-style race walk (From Enfield Independent)

'Electric' atmosphere at Enfield's Olympic-style race walk at Queen Elizabeth II Stadium

1:27pm Wednesday 8th August 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

The atmosphere was “electric” as 70 people competed in a race walk at Queen Elizabeth II Stadium yesterday.

The Olympic-style race walk, organised by Enfield Race Walking League, encouraged participants to get involved in either a three-mile or five-mile route mapped out in the stadium in Donkey Lane.

The Mayor of Enfield Councillor Kate Anolue, who officially opened the race, showed she was in the Olympic spirit by unexpectedly joining the three-mile race. 

Cllr Anolue stuck to the back during the walk, but she managed to complete the race while wearing ordinary street shoes rather than trainers.  

Professional Portuguese race walker Francisco Reis won the five-mile race walk, hitting an impressive time of 39 minutes and 24 seconds.

John Hall, chairman of the Friends of Enfield Playing Fields who attended yesterday’s event, said: “The atmosphere was really electric; people definitely were getting involved in the Olympic spirit.

“We had a great time and it was a great opportunity for people to get involved in the Olympics.”

All the participants were handed mini medals as mementoes to mark their part in the race.

Race walking, which is an athletic track and field Olympic event, is different to running because one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times.