BIRMINGHAM, England -- Race walk world records were set in the inaugural women's half-marathon and marathon events at the European championships Saturday.
Spain's María Pérez took gold in the half-marathon race walk by finishing in 1 hour, 30 minutes, 6 seconds. About two hours later, 21-year-old Sofia Fiorini of Italy won the marathon race walk title when she crossed the line in 3:15.11.
Both marks constitute new world records for disciplines that became official distances in January, governing body World Athletics said. The governing body said walkers had to beat a time of 1:30:30 for the half-marathon and 3:17:00 for the marathon to count as the inaugural record.
Both world records are subject to the usual ratifications.
The 30-year-old Pérez also holds the world record for the 35-kilometer race walk.