February 2009 will mark the beginning of the race walking year with the hosting of two races.

Race Coordinator at the Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club Michael Kirton recently announced that next year the Olympic sport will cross new boundaries here. Kirton said plans are in train to expand the sport locally especially since 25 races were held successfully in 2008. New talent especially in the junior and women categories were unearthed and national champion Rudolph Mitchell chalked up his 84th local win. The fourth successive race walk month of activities was also hosted in August.

Meanwhile, Kirton said races will be staged across the regions in 2009. The association also plans to host more training sessions and workshops and send competitors to overseas meets. Kirton said he plans to establish clubs in all the regions and to take the sport to government agencies, trade unions, churches, business and industrial entities.

A race walk coach from the USA is expected to come to Guyana in the first quarter of the year as part of the Club’s initiatives. Additionally, a team of race walkers and more overseas assistance is expected to help lift local efforts in the sport to international standards.

The first race of the season is set to start off at 6.30am with the 20-lap Georgetown Mash Race Walk. The race will be held at the National Park on February 15, and is being held to coincide with Guyana’s 39th Republic Anniversary.

The second race, the Burnham Memorial, is set for February 22. It will start at the ‘Burnham Bust’ at Vlissengen and Public roads, Kitty and will end at the Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens. Walk off time is 6.30am.