In brief:Physiological and selected Psychological characteristics of nine highly trained race walkers were studied and the results compared to those for distance runners and other athletes of similar age. The percent body fat of the race walkers was similar to or lower than the other athletes. Their VO2max of 62.9 ml·kg−1·min−1was significantly higher than active men of comparable age and similar to or higher than many athletes, but significantly lower than world-class endurance athletes.