Diniz sets world record in 50,000-meter race walk

REIMS, France (AP) — Yohann Diniz of France broke the world record in the 50,000-meter race walk by more than five minutes on Saturday.

Diniz walked 125 laps at Georges Hebert Stadium in Reims to finish in 3 hours, 35 minutes, 27 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 3:40:57.9 set by Thierry Toutain of France in 1996.

"I made a huge performance and I'm happy to offer this to all my friends," Diniz said. "This is marvellous."

With the support of about 2,000 fans, Diniz was helped by three pacemakers until the 35-kilometer mark (22-mile).

The 50,000 race walk takes place on a track, while the 50-kilometer event is held on roads.

Diniz is a two-time European gold medalist in the 50-kilometer race and won silver at the 2007 world championships.