WC 50km opened to women

[MJR]

I don't know what the new cut off is for a time, but the 50km will be a true WC event, as more women are being accepted. Word today is the that Katie Burnett of the US has been notified that she is entered. She has the World #3 time this year. No word how many behind her are going, but Erin Talcott is 2 spots and 2:56 behind, so I cannot fathom her not getting an invite unless the IAAF is annoyed at her for forcing their hand in this issue a few years ago.

Update: Erin is going as well.

[aaronk]

Yesssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ADD:
Will the Women's 50K be a totally separate event, or will they start with the Men?

[MJR]

Combined race. Kind of wish they'd do the same for the 20km too. Get it all done in 2 events. Would make the slower men stay focused to not lose to women.

[aaronk]

Combined race. Kind of wish they'd do the same for the 20km too. Get it all done in 2 events. Would make the slower men stay focused to not lose to women.

If they combined the Marathons, then I'd agree!
But since they don't, then I call it SEXIST!!

Also, how will a livestream (if there is one!) follow BOTH races EQUALLY????

[mump boy]

The QT is the same as the men's and faster than the WR !!

Can someone explain what's going on

[MJR]

I believe the women's standard was adjusted, but have seen nothing to confirm this as the fact. Why they waited this long is baffling. There were calls to do this 2 years ago for the World Team Champs.

I agree that the marathon should be combined as well. No reason to have 2 races. Do what the majors do and start the women 15 min early, if need be.

[gh]

Japanese TV pays handsomely to have have 2 maratons, far as I know

[americantrackfan]

I believe the women's standard was adjusted, but have seen nothing to confirm this as the fact. Why they waited this long is baffling. There were calls to do this 2 years ago for the World Team Champs.

I agree that the marathon should be combined as well. No reason to have 2 races. Do what the majors do and start the women 15 min early, if need be.

needs to be more than 15...the standard is 30

[Powell]

All the walking events in London will take place on the same day. No chance of doubling this time, which is a shame.

And BTW, the men's and women's marathon will also be run on one day. I think that's a first.

[gh]

see IAAF announcement now posted to front page.

I've also heard from one source that "WR holder" Inês Henriques made her mark on a non-approved course, so she might be out. For now, let's just call that a rumor.

[Vault-emort]

Really weird to have this announced at such a late stage.

[aaronk]

Really weird to have this announced at such a late stage.

I'm still incredulous that when they added the Women's Marathon to the OG in 1984, the longest Track race was still the 1500----no 5K or 10K then!!

[Vault-emort]

I'm still incredulous that when they added the Women's Marathon to the OG in 1984, the longest Track race was still the 1500----no 5K or 10K then!!

Have you forgotten Mary Decker vs Zola Budd?

[Powell]

It makes no sense whatsoever to add it to the program on a two weeks' notice. Nobody had a chance to prepare for the race, and hardly any international-class walkers have bothered to compete at 50k when they didn't know there was a WCh race to qualify for. I'm all for achieving parity between men and women and I think adding it is a good idea in principle, but the way it's been done is making a mockery of the WCh.

[Olli]

I'm still incredulous that when they added the Women's Marathon to the OG in 1984, the longest Track race was still the 1500----no 5K or 10K then!!

There was 3000m.