Asela and Ajantha win World Red Cross Day Run at Matara

by Priyan de Silva- Matara Sports Corr.

Asela Bandara won the half marathon while Ajantha Sanjeewani won the 10 kilometre race for women at the World Red Cross Day runs which were held at Matara on Wednesday (8th). P.G.C. Lakshan won the 10 kilometre race for boys under-20 years of age.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which was founded in 1863 celebrated its 150th anniversary this year. The 8th of May also happened to be the birth day of the movement's founder Jean Henri Dunant. This year's anniversary celebration was themed "150 years and running" and was celebrated with some form of a run in all 188 member nations. In Sri Lanka, the celebrations were held in Matara with a half marathon which started at Midigama and two 10-kilometre races which started at Mirissa. All the races ended opposite the Jayasuriya grounds in Matara where the awards ceremony was held.

Parliamentary Secretary to the President, Kumarasiri Hettige was the chief guest at the awards presentation while Ms. Shereen Cappollini, Head of the delegation of the ICRC, Bob McGraw head of delegation of the IFRC and Tim Bray of the German Red Cross Society were guests of honour.

Bharatha Jonikkuhewa, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (Matara branch) and staff organised the events at Matara which were attended by Jagath Abeysinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and other distinguished invitees.

Winners of the half marathon (open): 1. Asela Bandara (214) 69.50 minutes, 2. T.P.C.P. Alahakoon (223) 71.10 minutes, 3. Chaminda Prasanga (202) 71.20 minutes.

Winners of the 10 km race for women (Open): 1. D.M. Ajantha Sanjeewani (300) 39.03 minutes, 2. T. Denzika (303) 40.46 minutes, 3. Tharanjani Sewwandi (301) 42.04 minutes.

Winners of the 10 km race for boys under-20 years of age: 1. P.G.C. Lakshan (113) 33.40 minutes, 2. H.H. Prabath Anuruddha (104) 33.60 minutes, 3. H.H. Aruna Tharanga (110) 34.10 minutes.