Carlton Marathon to open a new chapter
Anuradha ABEYSEKERA
The inaugural ‘Carlton Marathon 2012’ will open a new chapter in Sri
Lanka's marathon racing by conducting a series of nine marathon races
covering every Province of the country from March 3 to April 28. The
sports wing of the ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ organization, Carlton Sports Club
will include the event in their annual sports calender with the aim to
bring rural hidden talents to the forefront. This was revealed during a
press briefing at the Sports Ministry Auditorium recently.
|
Tharunyata Hetak Director Dr. Chula Senaratne speaking at the
press conference. Picture by
Ruwan De Silva |
Starting from the North Central province on March 3, races will work
out on a 30km track in every Province.
According to the organizers they have limited to a shorter distance
in the inaugural marathon but will run a standard 42km race in future
editions.
Races will be conducted in two categories, men's and women's where
athletes of all ages will be allowed to take part. Tharunyata Hetak
Director Dr. Chula Senartne explained that their organization has
decided to have special focus on developing individual sports this year
and marathon has been identified as an under privileged event, where
athletes from rural areas always excel. While recognizing talented long
distance runners Carlton Marathon 2012 will offer valuable cash awards
to top ten winners in each Province ranging from Rs 100,000 to Rs 2,500.
The event will be a great encouragement for the outstation athletes
and also give them the much needed exposure.
All the athletes who wish to participate in the races are expected to
present at the respective starting venues before 6.00am on the due
dates.
Carlton Sports Network Director Ronnei Ibrahim, Provincial Sports
Ministry officials and Media personnels were present at the press
conference.
Race time table and routes -
March 3- NC Province – Thopawewa MV ground - Polonnaruwa, Police
Junction, Kaduruwela, Gallela, 79 mile post and return on the same route
March 10 - North Province – Dorreiappa ground - Jaffna, Nallur, Kopai
and return on the same route.
March 17 – Western Province – Sri Bodhi ground - Gampaha, Minuwangoda,
Ydugampala town round-about and return on the same route.
March 24 – Sabaragamuwa Province – Ruwanwella town, Panapitiya,
Paruswella, Garagoda, Karawanella to Yatiyantota ground
March 31 - Central Province – Getabe ground – Kandy, Peradeniya,
Weligalla and return to Getabe ground on the same route.
April 1 - Southern Province – Samanala ground - Galle Fort, Dadella,
Maha modara, 102 mile post and return on the same route.
April 7 - Uva Province – Dutugemunu MMV ground – Monaragala, Buttala,
Wellawaya and return on the same route.
April 21 - Wayamba Province – Near Kurunegala market, on Puttlum road
to Weaver's shopping complex and return on the same route.
April 28 – Eastern Province – Mackheizer ground – Trincomalee, Town
hall junction, Police junction, Marathadiya junction, Nilaweli and
return on the same route. |
