Navy's Bandara will attempt world record for jogging

By Leslie FERNANDO

JOGGING: Leading seaman H.M.S.K.W. Bandara of Sri Lanka Navy will make a bold attempt to set a new Guinness world record for jogging 258 km and 880 metres within 24 hours on the Tread Mill equipment on November 28 at the swimming pool side of the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

Tread Mill, is described as device for producing motion by stepping on moveable steps on revolving cylinder.

An Australian Suresh Joachim holds the existing Guinness World record running 257 km and 880 metres nonstop for 24 hours.

Petroleum Corporation of Sri Lanka has come forward to be the principal sponsors for Bandara. Tread Mill equipment and the services are provided without cost by the Techno GYM.

Bandara, on an earlier occasion, missed a golden opportunity to set a new Guinness world record. He completed 256 km and 800 metres and was deprived of proceeding further due to a mechanical error (machine) in the equipment.

Bandara is determined to achieve success on November 28 and to improve on the present mark. He is raring to go to get his name into the Guinness World Record Book.

Bandara who joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 15th January 2001 as a Novice Sailor, was a champion cyclist, winning several open cycle races. But in the year 2004, he totally gave up cycling and took up to marathon running and excelled in his new discipline. He participated at the 2004, 2005 and 2007 Mahaweli Games marathon event and was placed second on all three occasions.

Bandara who occupies the number five spot in the ranking of marathon event, is a poolist of the Sri Lanka national marathon event.