Bandara, Samanthi win Nestomalt Marathon

Anushka WITHANAGE reporting from Galle

A.M. Ajith Bandara of the SL Army (48.33.03 sec) and Samanthi Chandrika of the SL Police (01.02.43 sec) clinched the men's and women's title respectively with a distance of over sixteen kilometres at the Nestomalt Mini Marathon fourth and final stage held yesterday Samanala grounds in Galle with over 550 participants for open and the school categories.

Meanwhile, P.A. Suraj Kumara of Madakumbura MV (35.41.04 sec) and Nadeesha Nilmini of Mapalagama MV (44.53.05 sec) won the schools' boys and girls marathons worked off with a distance of over ten kilometres.

The events were conducted by the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka with the support of Sri Lanka Police and the Education Ministry. Nestle Lanka Pvt Ltd is the main sponsor.

The first three placed runners in the open marathon won cash prizes of Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,500 and Rs. 5,000 respectively in addition to trophies, medals and certificates. The first ten competitors, who finished the marathon were presented with Nestomalt grief packs and certificates. The school category winners were awarded Rs. 5,000, Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000.

Results:

Schools marathon (boys): 1. P.A. Suraj Kumara (Madakumbura MV) 35.41.04 sec, 2. Sahan Anurada (Gonagala MV) 35.53.01 sec, 3. Nishantha Premalal (Sri Sumangala MV) 38.03.08 sec.

Schools marathon (girls): 1. Nadeesha Nilmini (Mapalagama MV) 44.53.05 sec, 2. Chandrika Nilmini (Katukurunda Darmika MV) 45.13.09 sec, 3. T.H. Dinusha Dilhani (Upananda College) 49.23.03 sec.

Open marathon (men): 1. Ajith Bandara (SL Army) 48.33.03 sec, 2. Priyantha Bandara (SL Army) 50.30.06 sec, 3. Nimal Shantha (SL Army) 52.14.97 sec.

Open marathon (women): 1. Samanthi Chandrika (SL Police) 01.02.43 sec, 2. Dhammika Malkanthi Weerakkodi (SL Police) 01.02.43 sec, 3. Laxshmi Kalyani (Air Force) 01.22.08 sec.