The 1961 IAAF World Race Walking Cup was held in Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland, on October 15–16, 1961.

The event was also known as Lugano Trophy.

[1] From this edition up to 1997, the team ranking was named Lugano Trophy and combined the results of the 20km and 50km races..[2] From 1961 to 1985 there were qualifying rounds with the winners proceeding to the final.

London, United Kingdom, August 12 †: Combined East and West German Team.

København, Denmark, August 26/27 Spoleto, Italy, September 3 Cancelled