New Zealand U16 Race Walk Champion
Posted on September 06, 2022
Year 10 Macleans College student Richie Trathen (Snell House) was crowned the New Zealand U16 Race Walk champion over the weekend.
Last month Richie competed in the Auckland Championships held at Bruce Pulman Park in Papakura. He won his age group walk when he completed the 3 km walk in 16:48.
Richie travelled to Upper Hutt to take part in the New Zealand Road and Race Walk Championships on Sunday 4 September. The national event was a big step up for Richie, but not even windy conditions could slow him down. Richie completed the 5 km walk in 28:07, which not only made him the U16 champion but also meant he beat his personal best.
Race walking is a long-distance discipline within the sport of athletics. Although a foot race, it is different from running in that one foot most be in contact with the ground at all times.
