I never walk in races, but
I never walk in races, but then again I've never done an official race higher than a 5k. The 10 mile I did I only stopped for water, but I probably could have benefited from a couple walk breaks. I'm definitely planning on walking A LOT when I do it again on monday, but thats just because I haven't run a 10 since July. Actually I haven't done more than a 5 since July. And never more than 5 barefoot. Why am I doing this 10 again? Oh well, I think the cut-off time is like 2 hours, so I'll be able to finish if I stay smart and don't push myself.
I've always been a walker when I'm training by myself. When I run with a team, I feel lazy if I stop, but when I'm by myself my body just slows down while I'm zoned out, and I find myself walking. Thats with shoes anyways, when I was doing super mileage. I still walk a lot for barefoot though, because if I get tired I tense up a lot and then my form goes to crap. Fortunately I can usually just stop for a couple seconds to relax and then get back to it.
I guess it depends on your motives. If your in the race to finish, or just to have a good time, walk. If you want to get first place, probably don't walk. And when your training, its only cheating if you don't use the extra energy you have to go longer. That way you can actually get a better workout while walking, as long as you use it to go further or faster.