A high profile set of marathon runners from about 25 countries was scheduled to hit the road in the early hours of this morning at the Sri Lanka Half Marathon organized by an Indian entity.
Some 700 athletes had confirmed on Friday (30) to run and the organizers Indian Cultural Association (ICA) expected a few more athletes to turn up for a total of over a thousand contestants to add colour to the event.
The athletes came from marathon winning countries like Kenya and other African countries along with Russia, Canada, France, England and Germany.
The ICA expected athletes from multiple countries with the aim of making Sri Lanka a prime destination for both leisure and sporting events.
The Half Marathon was set to run over a distance of 21.0975 kilometres starting at Galle Face through some of Colombo’s important locations along Marine Drive and Galle Road.
A Challengers Run of 10 kms and a Family Run of five kms was also on the cards.
“The event is not just about competition, it’s about promoting health, unity, community support and sustainable tourism.
“There will also be planting of Na trees by the competitors symbolizing a green footprint while raising funds to help organ-donations for transplant,” said Captain Anirban Banerjee, the President of ICA.
