MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2024
Team Herald
In a display of exceptional athleticism, Ratnagiri's Nilesh Kulaye and Mumbai's Urmila Bani emerged victorious in the men's and women's full marathons, respectively, at the 13th SKF Goa River Marathon.
Nilesh Kulaye, a consistent podium finisher, claimed the men's full marathon title with an impressive time of 2:49:33 hours. Meanwhile, Urmila Bani showcased her prowess, clinching the women's full marathon in 4:15:25 hours.
Adding an international touch to the event, USA's Marissa Murphy dominated the newly introduced 20-milter race (32kms) for women, clocking an impressive 2:44:19 hrs. On the men's side, Sachin Poojary from Udupi secured victory with a remarkable time of 1:57:51 hrs.
Ratnagiri continued to shine, with Siddesh Barje winning the men's half marathon in 1:13:24 hrs, while Goa's Sapna Patel claimed victory in the women's half marathon with a time of 1:35:26 hrs.
Reflecting on his win, Nilesh Kulaye noted the challenging Chicalim hill route, stating, "Running up the Chicalim hill two times becomes challenging and cuts our timing, otherwise it is an excellent route." Sapna Patel expressed her joy, saying, "I am very happy to win the half marathon, as I have been practising very hard."
The event drew participants from around the globe, including the USA, UK, Netherlands, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and Thane.
Results of the 13th SKF Goa River Marathon:
Full Marathon (42kms):
- Men:
1. Nilesh Kulaye (Ratnagiri) - 2:49:33
2. Omprakash Saran (Bengaluru) - 2:50:48
3. Nathan Flear (UK) - 2:58:04
- Women:
1. Urmila Bani (Mumbai) - 4:15:25
2. Renu Raajguru (Raipur) - 5:17:35
3. Vaijayanthi (Thane) - 5:18:30
20 Miler Race (32kms):
- Men:
1. Sachin Poojary (Udupi) - 1:57:51
2. Hariram Maurya (Thane) - 2:07:06
3. Lokesh Baghel (Belgavi) - 2:08:07
- Women:
1. Marissa Murphy (USA) - 2:44:19
2. Sharmila Kadam (Thane) - 2:47:31
3. Latika Arvind (Bengaluru) - 2:48:50
Half Marathon (21kms):
- Men:
1. Siddesh Barje (Ratnagiri) - 1:13:24
2. Ankit Yadav (Vasco) - 1:26:10
3. Kieron Brown (UK) - 1:34:47
- Women:
1. Sapna Patel (Vasco) - 1:35:26
2. Imke Grens (Netherlands) - 1:41:45
3. Rajalaxmi Swaminathan (Bengaluru) - 1:51:02
10km Race:
- Men:
1. Karan Sharma (Mumbai) - 00:33:36 mins
2. Sanjay Zakane (Parbhani) - 00:33:51
3. Omkar Baikar (Ratnagiri) - 00:34:15
- Women:
1. Ashlesha Mangale (Kolhapur) - 00:45:16
2. Neera Katwal (Bengaluru) - 00:46:45
3. Khushboo Baghel (Thane) - 00:48:32
5km School Teams:
- Boys:
1. Murgaon High School, Vasco - 1:22:35
2. Vidya Vihar High School, Cortalim - 1:31:50
3. Kendriya Vidyalaya - 1:32:28
- Girls:
1. Vidya Vihar High School, Cortalim - 2:03:11
2. Keshav Murti School - 2:14:03
3. Bharati Vidyabhavan - 2:19:50
Murgaon High School, Vasco, secured victory in the boys' 5km team event, while Vidya Vihar High School claimed the girls' 5km team event. The annual event once again witnessed a tremendous response, showcasing the spirit of marathoners from across the globe.
