Young Race Walkers from across the UK gathered in Aldershot from 9–11 October 2026 for the inaugural UK U18 Race Walking Camp.
Organized and hosted by Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletics Club, the event was funded by the Race Walking Association and led by UKA Coaches Verity and Tim Snook. The weekend successfully blended elite technical coaching with team-building events, allowing the 19 young athletes in attendance to forge lasting friendships and build a stronger sporting community. The three-day camp provided a rare opportunity for these junior athletes to train alongside two of the UK’s leading senior competitors. GB international Cam Corbishley and England international Abi Jennings were on hand to support the weekend’s challenges and share their elite experience.
Beyond track sessions, the camp dedicated time to exploring the wider landscape of the sport. Corbishley and Jennings led discussions on the practicalities of race preparation, including essential strategies for post-training and race recovery nutrition. The athletes also took part in an open, vital workshop covering REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and the technical role of officiating. To demystify the rules, World Athletics Gold International Judge Ian Richards, supported by World Athletics Silver Judge Verity Snook, provided valuable insights into judging terminology, card processes, and a judge’s perspective during a race. The weekend concluded with a renewed sense of camaraderie and connection to the wider British race walking community, laying a strong foundation for what may well become an annual event.
