Does sex, distance and performance level influence the pacing strategy of race walkers?

The pacing strategy of endurance athletes has been well investigated in previous articles. However, few studies have compared the influence of sex, distance and performance level on the pacing strategy in race walkers. To compare the influence of sex, distance and performance levels on pacing strategies in race walking competitions. Thirty-four highly trained athletes (16 male 23.6 ± 7.4, 18 female 23.7 ± 7.0 years old) were recruited. The speed in km.h−1 was calculated, and later, normalized by the percentage of the maximum speed (%max). The pacing strategy (%max) were divided into start, middle and end phases and compared between sexes, distances and performance levels. There was no relationship between the phases according to sex (F (2) = 0.06, p = .94, pn2 < 0.01) and distance (F (2) = 1.89, p = 0.16, pn2 = 0.05). There was an effect between phases and performance levels (F (4) = 2.94, p = 0.03, pn2 = 0.16), indicating that the medallists were more able to maintain the starting speed compared to non-medallists. Sex of the race walkers and race distance did not influence the pacing strategy. In summary, medallist athletes maintained their starting speed in the race, which is not performed by non-medallists, that decreased the speed during middle and end phase of the race. Evenly paced pacing strategy, with a careful starting speed can increase the possibility of success during race walking competitions.