Robinson tops Goa River Marathon
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, DEC 19
Robinson Kwenot from Kenya emerged winner at the first ‘Goa River Half Marathon’ clocking 1.08.15 while Indian Railways Sidappa Chandrapa (1:09:29) from Mumbai and Ravindra Khade (1:10:01) from Kholapur took the 2nd and 3rd places respectively in the 21km event organised by Vasco Sports Club in collaboration with Goa Shipyard from Baina Beach, here.
The event was a roaring success with the runners dubbing it as one the best marathons.
“Though I am a full marathon runner and may best timing in half marathon is 1.06, I took it a little longer time today,” said Robinson who added that he was delighted to take the top honours.
Robinson maintained his lead throughout with Sidappa Chandrapa close on his heels all the time.
Ravindra Khade, who finished third said: “This is my first major event and I have finished third which is very satisfactory.”
Nearly 400 participated in half marathon, both young and old with Bollywood actor
Gul Panag finishing the race within two hours.
The Goan athletes who excelled were Clemente Francisco, Sharnifa D’Costa who secured the third place in open women’s category. Among Goans she came first.
Results: Men: Robinson Kwenot, Sidappa Chandrappa, Ravindra Khade.
Women’s open: Vijaymala Patil (1:25:55), Sudha Mani (1:25:56), Sharnifa D’Costa (1:44:02).
Veterans men: Srinath B (1:30:55), Kenneth Skea (1:35:22), Vasudevan (1:40:35).
Veterans women: Corina B (2:01:27), Nayantara Lima Leitao (2:10:42), Jaya Kulkarni (2:25:21).
Men Goa: Clemente Francisco (1:15:51). Women Goa: Sharnifa D’Costa (1:43:27).
The winners in main event men and women open were awarded Rs 60,000 each and trophies, the runner-up Rs 40,000 and trophies and the third prize winner Rs 25,000.
GSL Chief Managing Director, Vineet Bakshi along with NRB chairman Narayan (Nana) Bandekar, Rajaram Bandekar, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, Gul Panag distributed the prizes.
