All set for Colombo Marathon 2008
2008-09-05
All set for Colombo Marathon 2008
The 9th Colombo Marathon 2008, will flag off on October 5, in style, starting at Torrington Avenue at 0600 hrs, with the run ending in the cozy coastal visitor destination of Negombo.
The Colombo Marathon, organised by Lanka Sportreizen (LSR), a leading travel agency, is named after the famous Marathon cities such as London, New York and Hawaii. This years event is supported by Ministry of Sports and Public Recreations with the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Tourism, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Negombo Hoteliers Association, Sri lanka Police and several other private sector entrepreneurs.
This annual event was launched in 1998 at the Galle Dutch Fortress and attracted nearly 28 foreigners and about 328 local participants. The most successful event thereafter was held in Negombo, Kandy, Dambulla and Colombo and has gained popularity with every passing year to the delight of Marathon enthusiasts who now look forward to this annual event with great interest.
Commenting on the event, LSR Managing Director, Tilak Weerasinghe said, we firmly believe that by providing opportunities for such activities Sri Lanka is positioned as the popular destination for recreational activities.
He further said, with this objective, the LSR International Marathon was introduced which later on included the World Marathon Guide and before making it an annual sports calendar of event. Colombo Marathon has received the membership of the Association of the International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
Sri Lanka Tourism has once again come forward to support the event because it has not only been a local activity but also an event that attracts many foreigners and we are confident that this event will boost the image of the country and adventure sports, said Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Renton de Alwis.
The special feature of Colombo Marathon would be the total registration fee would be donated to uplift a school with recreational facilities in the Giriulla Educational area in the Kurunegala District.
This year we anticipate an overall participation of approximately 1500 athletes with about 50 foreigners, added Tilak Weerasinge.
The 9th Colombo Marathon will cover the full international professional circuit distance of 42 km, with a pleasure run of 5 km and a half marathon also in the offing. Several big names in the Marathon circuit are expected to participate confirming that Sri Lanka, is a much sought after exotic island destination offering much beyond its beautiful beaches in nature, culture and adventure.
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