Colombo Marathon 2011: Kenyans grab the Men's title, Deepani clocks for Women's title

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Category: athletics

Published on Monday, 03 October 2011 18:43

Written by Mahendra Dhammika

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The 11th edition of Colombo Marathon, organized by Association of International Marathons & Distance Races in association with Lanka Sportreizen undertook on 2nd of October in grand style. The event had nearly 2500 participants which included international runners from 12 countries.

The marathon flagged off near Ministry of Sports and ran through Borella, Dematagoda, Peliyagoda, Wattala- along the Hamilton Canal, Pamunugama, Thalahena, Pitipana, and ended at Negombo Beach Park.

The highlight of the event was the participation of school kids, numbering closer to 1500. “It was great to run along with International runners and we are lucky to participate such a huge event” said one of them.

A participant of the 5 km, Anuja Attygalle, representing MAS Active shared his experience as a fun filled run for a worthy cause. (The collection of registration fees will be donated to a school in North Western province to develop a sports ground).

From the early stages of the run, the Kenyans progressed step by step as a group and sticking together as a group almost till the end. It was noted that the Sri Lankan runners failed to use this strategy and were seen running individually.

However few Sri Lankans managed to camouflage into Kenyan camp but could not keep up the momentum going.

At Uswetakeiyyawa, W.M.U. Saman Kumara (SL Army) finished the half marathon-men’s category, marking 21.097kms in 01h:15m:05s followed by D.P.P.Somarathna and M. Sivarajam as second and third.

In the women’s category, Dhammika Malkanthi Weerakkody won the first place finishing the half marathon in 01h:26m:13s where H.W. Kumari and B.G.D.K. Ekanayaka falling to second and third positions respectively.

M.A.R.Deepani (SL Air Force) clocked her best timing (02h:57m:28s) by becoming the winner of full marathon- Women’s Category. Anuradhi Bogahawatte finished second in 03h:09m:50s and Nilani Priyadharshani was placed third (03h:11m:35s).

The first six places of the full marathon- Men’s Category were dominated by the warriors of “Jamhuri ya Kenya”.

Prigen Geoffrey finished the race in 02h:28m:08s whereas Kimutai Kennedy (02h:27m:16s) and Kogo Kibetezekiel (02h:32m:12s) won the second and third places respectively.

Kelum Dharmaratne, clocked 02h:37m.46s to win seventh place becoming the first out of Sri Lankans.

The marathon also showcased the participation of Dave Wise, a travel journalist of http://www.trekandrun.com/ who is well respected for his courage and determination to compete in marathon runs (Dave suffered from a ruthless attack by hooligans after a World Cup football match).

Speaking to ThePapare.com , the Kenyans said it was a nice experience and the route was perfect even though humidity levels were high. They also made a special comment on the lack of pace runners, whom would have helped them to achieve a better timing.

Sport Ministry, Negombo Hoteliers Association, Sri Lankan Airlines, Western Province Tourist Board, Education Ministry, Youth Affairs Ministry, and Colombo Municipal Council along with Sri Lanka Tourism supported to make the event a success.

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