The 2005 USA Race Walking Grand Prix consisting of 13 events will begin Sunday with the USA 30 km Championships in Chula Vista, California.

The USA 30 km Race Walk Championships will feature several of America's top race walkers and returning Athens Olympians. International walkers from Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico have also been invited to compete. The race will be held on the same course used for the 2004 U.S. 30 km Championships, and last year's U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's 50 km Race Walk. The race will include National Championship awards for Open and Masters walkers at the 30 km distance. Competitors may also race 10 km or 20 km (non- championship races) and be given official finish times.

The 2004 Men's Grand Prix Champion, three-time Olympian Curt Clausen, is entered in the 18.6-mile race, despite beginning his first year of law school at the University of Wisconsin. Two-time Olympian Philip Dunn, who is also doubling as the Race Director, is a co-favorite for the 30 km title. Athletes expected to battle for the other medals are David Doherty, Mark Green, Dave McGovern and Bill Vayo.

The women's race looks to be a three way battle. Erin Taylor, the 2004 40 km Champion, and Dorit Attias, the 2004 50 km Champion, have the endurance, while Heidi Hauch might have the upper hand because of the shorter distance. All three are patient and experienced athletes who don't make tactical errors, so this contest should go down to the wire.

The Grand Prix, in its second year, will quickly shift indoors for two events over the next two weeks before heading to Florida for the USA 50 km Championship on February 13. Full details on the USA Race Walking Grand Prix are online at www.usatf.org.