From left, Dave Talcott and Erin Taylor-Talcott of Owego, N.Y. have both achieved numerous records and notoriety in the sport of race walking. A new event named “Not Just a Walk in the Park,” a 100 mile Centurion race and USATF Eastern Regional 100K Championships and 100 mile relay, is scheduled for Sept. 24-25 at Marvin Park in Owego. (Provided photos)
Well known around the world, the sport of race walking receives limited media attention in the United States. Dave Talcott and Erin Taylor-Talcott of Owego, N.Y. have both achieved notoriety in the sport, which includes setting a number of records. Both brought home medals from the World Masters in France last year, and both qualified for and will compete in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials being held in Santee, Calif. on Feb. 21.
“A first reaction from most people is that race walking looks funny,” Erin said.
Race walking, like running, requires an extreme level of endurance. Unlike running, race walkers must make contact with the ground at all times. Competitors keep a leading leg straightened, and it must remain straightened until the leg passes under the body. Stringently judged, race walkers can be disqualified when fouls are reported.
“Race walkers require a lot of stamina,” Erin explained, and added, “When you get tired, your technique begins to degrade.”
Dave commented, “It is definitely a technique event.”
Generally, race walkers experience fewer injuries than runners. Both Dave and Erin pointed out that race walking is also a “sport of longevity,” where athletes well into their 70’s or older can still continue to compete.
A 1978 graduate of Owego Free Academy (OFA) and a member of the track team during his senior year, Dave opted to switch from running to walking when the sport was added in 1977, which proved to be a stepping stone to his future success.
Pictured are Erin Taylor-Talcott and Dave Talcott of Owego, N.Y., elite race walkers who have both achieved numerous records and notoriety in the sport of race walking. Both qualified and will compete in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials being held in Santee, Calif. on Feb. 21.
Dave, now 55, competes in multiple events each year and trains by walking some 70 miles in a week, and is also a track official and coordinator of USA Masters Track and Field. While competing in the 2012 Olympic trials, an injury from 2011 stopped him short, so he looks forward to the California event this month.
Erin first tried race walking while participating at a summer track program at age 11 in her native Oregon. Other than taking a break while in college and later recuperating from a serious injury suffered in an automobile accident, she has since been full speed ahead.
Erin’s commitment takes her training outdoors for upwards of 90 miles in a week. The day this writer caught up with her, she was in Utah preparing to go out for a four-hour training period.
When asked what recent accomplishment she was most proud of, Erin replied, “I’m proud of the 50K I competed in last year in Chile.” Erin excels at the longer distance competitions.
Traveling around the world is an extra bonus for the elite race walking circuit. “I never dreamed I would go to China,” Erin shared, and added, “I’ve competed in China three times.”
Now 37, Erin’s dedication and accomplishments have put her in the spotlight, including her faster finishes than many elite male race walkers. Traveling abroad has opened Erin’s eyes to the obstacles associated with a passion she has been advocating, adding a 50K Olympic event for women. Encouraging a mindset change in a sport predominantly run by men, along with dealing with political hurdles and other aspects, the goal has been challenging.
When time permits, Erin is a professional musician and performs in orchestras, and is the Chair of the Niagara Association, which brought an event to the OFA track last year.
A new event named “Not Just a Walk in the Park,” a 100 mile Centurion race and USATF Eastern Regional 100K Championships and 100 mile relay, is scheduled on Sept. 24-25 at Marvin Park in Owego. The community is invited to attend as spectators, volunteer, or participate. Dave anticipates that nearly 75 percent of participants will come from outside the U.S.
“We’re thankful for the local support,” said Dave.
For more information, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2016/7132/not-just-a-walk-in-the-park, or find the event on Facebook, “Not Just a Walk in the Park – 100mile/100k.”
