The marathon event of the 49th National Sports Festival, concluded successfully in Hikkaduwa and Galle areas under the patronage of Mr. Aruna Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. After a well contested race, K. Shanmugashwaran and Wathsala Madhushani Herath, both from Central Province, claimed the Men’s and Women’s gold medals respectively. Further, the long distance runners from Central Province displayed their energy and endurance to team championships in both men’s and women’s segments.
The event saw 100 participants (67 male and 33 female) vying for national glory and the route spanned for 42.195 kilometers which is the traditional distance of a marathon.
In the men’s race, the 2nd place winner of the previous year, K. Shanmugashwaran of Central Province, came strong to clinch the national title with an impressive timing of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 43 seconds. He was closely followed by A.C. Chandana of Uva Province who finished second. Last year’s winner Thala Warige Rathnapala of Eastern Province managed to secure third place but he had taken 5 minutes more than his performance in the previous edition.
There was a pure dominance in the women’s marathon by H. M. W. G. W. M. Herath, who clinched the gold with seven minutes ahead of others. With that magnificent performance she managed to defend the title that she won in the previous edition.The silver medal was clinched by the promising athlete from Walala A Rathnayake College, Chamini Herath (Central Province). The runners up of the previous edition Nimesha Nidarshani of Uva Province fell back to the third place and was satisfied with a bronze.
Winners with their trophies
Final Results – Men’s Marathon Event
- K. Shanmugashwaran Central Province 2:24.43
- E. A. Udara Chandana Uva Province 2:25.18
- T. W. Rathnapala Eastern Province 2:30.46
- W. V. Maduranga Uva Province 2:31.25
- R.A.P.D. Arunasiri North Central Province 2:32.11
- R. M. R. Bandara North Western Province 2:33.46
- K. A. M. Wijerathna Eastern Province 2:34.23
- W. M. S. Kumara North Western Province 2:34.43
- A.M.G.C. Abaycoon Central Province 2:35.04
- R.M.L.H. Bandara North Central Province 2:37.22
Team Championship – Central Province
Final Results – Men’s Marathon Event
- H.M.W.G.W.M. Herath Central Province 2:53.42
- H.M.C.S. Hearth Central Province 3:00.21
- W. M. Nimesha Nidarshani Uva Province 3:02.32
- D. M. Chamila Siriwardana Uva Province 3:06.38
- P.G.M.D. Samaracoon Uva Province 3:13.07
- H. W. C. Damaynthi Sabaragamuwa Province 3:13.51
- V. Krishanthini Central Province 3:14.15
- A. L. S. D. Liyanage Sabaragamuwa Province 3:14.28
- A. S. N. Bandara Sabaragamuwa Province 3:23.53
- H.A.A.S. Jayanthika Central Province 3:31.08
Team Championship – Central Province
