Team Herald
PANJIM: The ninth edition of Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon will see over 5000 participants which will also include runners from 12 foreign countries. The Marathon will be held on December 9 and will be flagged off from Jogger’s Park, Chicalim.
The 12 foreign countries include, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, USA, Finland, Chile, Bangladesh, United Kingdom, Germany and Russia. The largest contingent of domestic runners will be from Maharashtra followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and across India. Around 350 participants from Goa have already registered in the race.
Vasco Sports Club Seceretary Rakesh Unny while addressing the media informed that the race will be held in three categories namely 10 km, 21 km and 42 km and will have total prize money of over Rs 7 lakh. The winner of the full marathon will be richer by Rs 50,000.
“The 5 km, walk-run, family and corporate event which is also organised alongside the marathons has also gained popularity over the years. This walk is an encouragement to the new runners who we see taking part in 10 km race in the following years”, Unny said.
An all-new, event tee shirt incorporating the distinct Vasco Sports Club insignia was also unveiled on the occasion.
The Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon’s special features include an official recognition by the Association of International Marathons and Distance races (AIMS) and the course distances are marked for accuracy by the international athletics body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Vasco Sports Club President Nitin Bandekar speaking on the occasion said that the SPGRM course is considered amongst the toughest marathon courses in India and showcases Goa’s natural beauty and pollution-free scenery.
“Eighty per cent of the course passes along the river Zuari on one side and lush green hills on the other side, allowing marathoners a shaded route for most of the race”, Bandekar said.
Registrations for the marathon can be done on the website: www.goarivermarathon.com.
