Sinclair Smith and Mike Watson are part of a growing group of locals who racewalk to stay fit.

The former runners got into the sport as they aged.

Mr Watson, 57, was looking for a way to exercise without injury; Mr Smith was in his 60s when family members suggested it as an option.

The sport is different than power walking: participants must appear to have one foot on the ground at all times — judges determine whether or not racewalkers meet this criteria — and the leading leg must be straightened as the foot makes contact with the ground.

Among its many benefits are that it helps control weight, strengthens the core and is a great mood enhancer.

“The first time I started walking competitively was at the Lindo’s to Lindo’s Race about nine or ten years ago,” said 71-year-old Mr Smith. “That’s where I got started.

“I immediately loved it. At first I didn’t know how fast I was going. I was still holding myself back, but when I found out how quick I was, that pushed me to keep going. For someone of my age, I’m pretty fast. I can walk a mile in 12 minutes.

“My fastest time was at the Fidelity 5K. I did each mile in about 10 minutes and 45 seconds.”

Racewalking presented a new challenge for Mr Watson, a former Olympic middle-distance runner.

“All my life I’d been an avid runner and dominated road racing but as I got older, running to me became strictly something to do for fitness,” he said.

“I had turned most of my efforts towards coaching junior track and field, but when it came to my own health and fitness I decided I needed to do some cross-training considering the toll that running can take on your body after a while. I wanted to avoid getting any injuries as I aged and thought it might be better to take up an alternative sport.

“I wasn’t interested in cycling or swimming and liked that racewalking didn’t involve any additional equipment. I could just go straight from my door.”

He also liked that racewalking was more gentle on his joints. Better still, it was an easy transition from running.

Mr Watson and Mr Smith are part of a group of eight who meet each weekend to practise their technique.

“My energy has increased since doing it and I definitely sleep better,” Mr Smith said. “I’ve been doing martial arts for a while now and taught aerobics for seven years, but my fitness is staying at high levels due to competitive walking.”

The group brought in top racewalker Jeff Savage for two clinics — about 50 people turned out to learn tips from the American expert.

They’re now attempting to get younger people involved. Classes are held for students at Bermuda Institute and TN Tatem Middle School.

“In other countries around the world racewalking is actually a younger sport. It’s not for us older people,” Mr Watson said.

“We’re hoping by coaching the younger people in this it will open up opportunities for them to go overseas for competitions and eligible for academic scholarships.”

The group meets at the National Sports Centre every Saturday at 8am. They also meet at Island Trading on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a 6pm walk.

For more information e-mail sinnysmith@yahoo.com