Ajith Bandara - champ in men’s marathon in Tissamaharama

Anushka Withanage reporting from Tissamaharama

MARATHON: Ajith Bandara of Wayamba won the Open Marathon Race at the Carlton Super Sports Festival in Tissamaharama on Friday with a time of 2 hours 25 minutes and 46 seconds, while B. Upul Wijitha Kumara of Southern came second with 2 hours 25 minutes 48 seconds and R. M. Indika Ajith of Wayamba was third in 2 hours 25 minutes 56 seconds. Then in the marathon event for schools, W. P. Eranga Rakshila Dulshani of Debarawewa National School won in 19 minutes 13.3 seconds with H. K. Irosha Thamali of Sooriyawewa National School was second in 20 mins 03.60 secs, A. A. Madushika of Debarawewa National School third in 21 mins 07.3 seconds.

The marathon event was conducted by the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka and served as a trial to pick athletics for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in India.

Marathon results:

Girls: W. P. Eranga Rakshila Dhulakshi (Debarawewa National School) - 19.13.3, H.K Irosha Thamali (Sooriyawewa National School) - 20.03.60, A. A Madushika Lakmali (Debarawewa National School) - 21.07.3, Nadeesha Sewwandhi (Gonadeniya M.V) - 21.58.57, Shashika Madushani (St. Mary’s College, Hambanthota) - 22.16.87, Umesha Shashikala (Debarawewa National School) - 22.22.96

Boys: H. Nadun Malaka (Ambalanthota MV) - 35.21.67, D. H. Gayan Thisara Madushanka (Wiharagala MV), G. W. Dinesh Chathuranga (Vidyartha MV) - 36.43.55, A. P. Sanju Primal (Thissamaharama MV) - 36.07.95, K. M. D. Chamila Warunajith (Nabadagaswewa MV) - 37.48.76, D. G. Jagath Kumara (Koggalla MV) - 37.55.92

Open marathon: Ajith Bandara (Wayaba) - 2.25.46, B. Upul Wijitha Kumara (Southern) - 2.25.48, R. M. Indika Ajith (Wayamba) - 2.25.56, R. P. D. J. J. Rajapaksa (Wayamba) - 2.31.26, W. P. Jayarathne - 2.32.9, H. R. N. Vijitha Bandara - 2.32.50