Heffernan’s sixth in Spain ‘my best ever walk’

ROBERT HEFFERNAN got his preparations for London 2012 back on track at the IAAF Racewalking Challenge Final in La Coruna on Saturday, breaking his own national record for the 10k walk when finishing sixth behind the world and Olympic champion, Valeriy Borchin, in 39:19.

It was the Corkman’s first competition since returning from Deagu on the eve of the world championships following the unexpected death of his mother.

He highlighted his wellbeing by sharing much of the early pace as part of a 14-man breakaway group that went through the opening kilometre in a blistering 3:56 and he was one of the first to respond when Jose Ignacio Diaz threw caution to the winds to lead through 3k in 11:50.