By Therese Iknoian

You think a marathon is long? You think the 26.2 miles look torturous? You wonder how those marathoners can train such long, lonely hours? How they endure the agony?

Well, Jonathan Matthews has something he'd like to say to you: You'll never know agony and loneliness until you compete in a 50-kilometer race walk. That's some 31 miles, making it the longest footrace in the Olympic Games. And probably one of the most misunderstood events, too. Rolling hips, pumping elbows and furiously churning feet just don't get any respect, it seems. C'mon now, wipe that smirk off your face and listen up. The best of the American guys average less than 8 minutes per mile for 31 miles, passing the marathon distance in less than three hours and 20 minutes. Walking, mind you. Do they stop there? No. The feet keep churning for another 40 to 60 minutes. Still smirking? The best in the world go one better, averaging 7-minute miles for the long haul.

Matthews, a nationally ranked walker, says the demands of the technique make race walking more compelling for him than running. Participants must oblige by two rules: The supporting leg must straighten when the heel touches down and until it passes underneath the body, and one foot must be on the ground at all times.

It's a thinking sport, says Matthews. Which is what gets them through lonely races courses. Bands? Fanfare? Local politicians making speeches, and celebrities singing, "God Bless America?" Forget it. There are usually more competitors (20 or so) than spectators lining up. You're only out there to prove something to yourself.

The length of the 50-kilometer walk demands mental powers that go beyond muscle and aerobic endurance. First, there's the training. Long, lonely hours of training. Sometimes workouts that last four to six hours, and mandated ability to just tune out all discomforts. Then there's the racing. Being on the road or track for four to five hours means planned eating and drinking along the way, otherwise the wall will come crashing down. Such a long race also requires intense concentration.

Not to say that race walking is only about marathon walks that require such dedication. Women and men alike race walk for fitness and competition at all levels around the country. Women's race walking, now a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) event, became an Olympic sport in 1992. The men also compete at 20 kilometers. All compete in shorter races regionally.

But you just got to admire the athletes in those long, lonely 50 kilometers.