What's wrong with walkers?
Nothing. The problem with the walk/run issue is that it is unsafe for runners and walkers to mix. If they start at the same time, walkers will start wherever they want - some even start on the front line, where they don't belong. Walkers often traverse a course curb-to-curb and won't move to allow runners to pass.
It's not just the competitive runners who care - lots of slower runners don't want to have to barge through lines of walkers.
Starting the walk five minutes later keeps the walkers and runners apart. It also creates two events - a run and a walk. The walk is non-competitive, so there is no reason to present awards.
Here are some tips for walks.
Posted in Course issues