Running News Daily

A fresh chapter in global race walking is set to be written in Ciaxa World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Brasília 26, where the women’s half marathon makes its long-awaited championship debut in the Brazilian Capital. On Sunday, April 12, the Brazilian capital will host a compelling mix of proven champions and rising contenders, all navigating the uncertainty of a distance that promises both opportunity and unpredictability.

With 74 athletes representing 28 nations, the race introduces a new tactical dimension to elite race walking. The one-kilometre loop course in Brasília will test not only endurance and pacing but also adaptability, as athletes transition from the traditional 20km format to this slightly longer challenge.

Leading the charge is Peru’s Kimberly García, a double world champion from 2022 and the reigning 20km champion from the previous edition. García has opened her 2026 season in impressive fashion, clocking a personal best of 1:34:17 at Dudince, underlining her readiness to contend for top honours. Her consistency and championship pedigree make her one of the standout names heading into this historic race.

She is joined by compatriot Evelyn Inga, who arrives with momentum after a breakthrough victory at the Dudinská 50, where she set a South American record of 1:33:49. Together, the Peruvian duo not only strengthens their individual medal prospects but also boosts their nation’s chances in the team standings, having narrowly missed out on the title in the previous championships.

China, however, looms large once again. With exceptional depth, the Asian powerhouse fields five of the six fastest entrants. At the forefront is Ji Haiying, who leads the field with a world-class 1:32:22 recorded in Taicang. She is closely backed by Guo Na (1:32:24) and Dou Maocuo (1:32:27), forming a formidable trio that places China as overwhelming favourites for the team crown.

Spain’s Antía Chamosa adds further intrigue. The 26-year-old has steadily climbed the ranks and enters the championships in peak form after securing the national title with a personal best of 1:33:45. Her progression, combined with a strong showing at recent global events, suggests she could be a serious threat in this new format.

Meanwhile, Poland’s Katarzyna Zdziebło brings invaluable experience. A double world silver medallist, she thrives in high-pressure championship races. Although yet to record a time over the half marathon distance, her tactical awareness and finishing strength could prove decisive in what is expected to be a closely contested race.

Australia also enters the fray with genuine medal ambitions. Rebecca Henderson recently surged to a personal best of 1:32:25 to claim her national title, placing her among the fastest in the field. Alongside her, Olivia Sandery adds depth, having finished second domestically with 1:34:09, ensuring Australia remains competitive in both individual and team battles.

Elsewhere, Mexico’s Alejandra Ortega—third in Dudince—continues to show consistent form, while France’s emerging talent Pauline Stey is steadily gaining ground on the global stage and could challenge the established names.

Italy’s Nicole Colombi remains an intriguing wildcard, having entered both the half marathon and marathon events, with her final decision still pending.

Notably absent, however, are two of the sport’s biggest names: Spain’s double world champion María Pérez and Italy’s Olympic champion Antonella Palmisano. Their absence leaves the podium wide open, creating a rare opportunity for new champions to emerge.

As the sport embraces this new distance, Brasília stands as the stage for innovation, ambition, and history. With no established blueprint for success, the women’s half marathon promises a race defined not just by speed, but by strategy, resilience, and the courage to master the unknown.