PANJIM: The 6th edition of the Skechers Goa River Marathon (GRM) scheduled on December 13, at Chicalim SAG ground, will feature international participation from 22 countries from across the world.
Unveiling the official jersey at Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Panjim, on Thursday, the organisers revealed that they were extremely happy and surprised that the 42.2km full marathon, introduced for the first time at this edition, has seen very encouraging participation and that too from women.
With worldwide official recognition given by IAAF officials approving and certifying the route for the full marathon, 10km and half marathon on par with international events, this year timing certificates within eligibility will also allow entry to most international worldwide events.
Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Bandekar, president, Vasco Sports Club, organisers of the marathon informed, “I am happy to share that this year we have touched 3,000 registrations for the half marathon and 10km run in the competitive section with 4,000 entries in the 5km charity run. Participants from 22 different countries have registered, which includes 18 Ethiopians and Kenyans. A contingent of 12 top class runners have arrived on Wednesday from Ladakh and are getting acclimatised to the humid conditions of Goa. This means, this year we have more than 7,000 participants.”
Presented by title sponsor Skechers, Rahul Vira, CEO, Skechers South Asia Pvt Ltd shared a statement, “Skechers is very proud to be associated with the Goa River Marathon 2015. Skechers is globally a leading fitness brand, inspiring and helping athletes experience running and walking in all its forms, hence we continue to be associated with this marathon. We at Skechers are all avid runners, so many of us will be participating in this marathon.”
Capt Mishra, LIC, marketing manager; Jose K Mathew, general manager, Federal Bank; Krishnakant Kamat, DSK; Gavin Dias, DY GM Goa Tourism; Sunil Shrivastava, Carasid; Rakesh Unny, secretary, Vasco Sports Club and Ethiopian champion runner Setahun Tilahun were also present..
Anil Gupta, director plant operations, Pfizer, said, “Goa River Marathon is now an established running platform in national and international race calendars, making it a watch out event for all sports enthusiasts.”
Spearheading technology innovation for the first time ever in the country, Rakesh Unny, secretary, Vasco Sports Clubs revealed, “A new mobile App has been developed by our timing partners, Timing Technologies, Hyderabad; introduced for the first time ever in the country at GRM. Simply by typing in the participant Bib number, a relative or friend of the participant can track his/her movement during the race. It can be downloaded for free from Google play. One can search for 10 Bib numbers at a time,” he said.
Adding an element of fun and showcase some true Goan hospitality, GRM also announced a Post Marathonn after party with live dancers, live music, food counters, for participants to groove and celebrate their success after the race. This will start at 10 a.m and continue till 1p.m.
Meanwhile, a Sports Expo on December 11-12 will have stalls related to running and fitness gear like Skechers shoes stall, garmin running and cycling watches, giant cycles, DSK Benelli bikes among others. A stall of of Sussegado runners – a Goa based running group — will help with spot registrations in an effort to introduce more Goans to this healthy and fun sport.
For inquiries, contactVasco Club House, Gagan /Dinesh or log on to www.goarivermarathon.com.
