THIS. IS. RACE WALKING.
Race walking is like running, except you have to keep one foot touching the ground at all times and your leg, when touching the ground, needs to be perfectly straight. Deadspin has an expansive guide if you're curious for more information.
The eventual winner will finish in one hour, 18 minutes, and 46 seconds. That's a little faster than 6:30-minute miles. Walking. You can close your mouth now.
Here we have pack movement early in the 20-kilometer race. 20 kilometers is about 12.4 miles. Can you imagine doing this for 12.4 miles? No, no you cannot.
Even race-walkers need to pour water over their heads.
Above the waist, he looks like he's running!
But his feet tell the real story. Seriously, no joke: this stuff is impressive. Having to worry about both speed and adhering to some specific style during a race is a serious challenge.
LOOK AT HIM GO.
Here's the lead pack, walking it out.
*cue "Chariots of Fire" music*
INTERMISSION
Soundtrack: "I'm Hotta," Sasha Go Hard ft. Katie Got Bandz and Chella H