Rajesh D’silva
VASCO: It was a day of delight and celebrations for Goan athletes as little known Sayadali Awati touched the finish line with a time of 03:36:36 in the Goan Men’s Full Marathon and Shradda Sainuche clocked 00:54:19 to emerge on top in the 10K Goan Women’s category at the 6th edition of the Skechers Goa River Marathon (GRM) held at the Chicalim SAG ground, on Sunday.
The Goan athletes competed with runners from 22 countries other than States of India. The strong contenders ran along the river lapping in the scenic surrounding at the crack of dawn with the River Marathon truly living upto its billing.
The worldwide official recognition given by IAAF officials approved and certified the route for the full marathon, 10km and half marathon on par with international events. This year timing certificates within eligibility permitted athletes entry to most international events.
The Goan runners performed well at the Goa River Marathon despite personal hurdles in their life.
“I had taken lead at an early stage. They were Ethiopians runners along with me for around 10km. But my two years running experience made it count and I was hopeful of getting a medal today. I had a fair amount of running experience after having participated in Marathon races in Bangalore, Mysore and Ladakh. I also trained hard for this event and put in 3 hours of training at Miramar beach with no professional coach. I do not have any information about any runners club but I just follow Facebook and check groups and run along with them,” said Sayadali, a modest Nestle worker in Goa after the exhausting race.
In the 10K Goan Women’s field, Shradda Sainuche celebrated her win on home turf.
“I am from Vasco but I train at Mapusa SAI Hostel, Miss Pratima is my coach and I was confident of winning the race,” said Shradda, who made an impact in her debut run.
“It’s for the first time I have run in such a big event but I had faith in my coach who trained me to win,” said the Std X Janata High School Student, Mapusa.
“I come from a humble family. I am from Vasco but I stay at the hostel and study in Mapusa,” said a beaming Shradda, whose parents were unaware of their daughter’s feat.
Nitisha Gaonkar from Canacona finished with a time of 00:50:51 in the 10K Women’s category.
“This was my debut run in this marathon. Two years ago I had participated in the 21km run but not in this event,” said Nitisha.
Nitisha who finished her higher studies is concentrating on running under the watchful eye of her coach. “I was confident of getting a medal as coach Savio and Patrick have trained me well,” informed Nitisha.
“I will surely look forward to participating in the River Marathon next year,” said the media shy Nitisha.
Francisco Clement, winner of the Goan Men’s 21 KM was extremely happy with his win.”The weather was great in the morning and I led for almost 2 km of the race. I had the Kenyan’s running with me and I thought my pace was not up to the mark. Secondly I had just returned from Macau Marathon on Sunday and I was tired. But I pushed myself. Patrick Soares is my coach from Margao who has really been a great source of inspiration for me. I am now looking forward to the Goa Marathon in March 6. I will participate and hopefully win some more medals,” said the confident fireman who is working with the Panjim Firebrigade.
Carlos Almeida, Vasco MLA was visibly please with the turn of events.
“I am glad to see our Goans perform well. This event is regularly organized by Vasco Sports Club. It showcases Goa and Vasco on the international map. Athletes can now participate in any marathon in world. I feel so proud today to see how the Goa River Marathon has grown. We have the Goa Police, the Navy and Army who made this possible. The sponsors and volunteers made the Goa River Marathon eventful. Before the next Goa River Marathon the CM has assured us to give us a turf ground here,” said Carlos on an optimistic note.
The Goa River Marathon is held in the second week of December each year. The Goa River Marathon is one of the very few in the world which is organized by the ‘Runners for Runners’..
The Goa River Marathon is a 42KM Full Marathon, a 21Km half-marathon and a Fun walk-run event held annually near Vasco da Gama. The city-village scene, large enthusiastic crowds, party atmosphere and 100 Kms of un-spoilt Goan beaches appeal to all the runners.
The 42 kilometer route is beautiful as the athletes run along the soothing waters of the ‘Zuari’ river. The route takes the runners through picturesque St. Jacinto Island and then back along the same route.
The organizers of Goa River Marathon teamed up with several professional partners who are amongst the best in their areas of expertise.
