Captain Anirban Banerjee speaking to the media
Seven countries have confirmed contesting the first International Half Marathon that will be held in Colombo on September 1.
However, the organizer of this Half-Marathon is the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) based in Colombo, said that they are expecting athletes from 20 countries.
The ICA expects to register over 1400 athletes from overseas with the aim of promoting Sri Lanka as a prime destination for both leisure and sporting events.
With the limited capacity of 2,000 participants, early registration to participate is encouraged. All registrants will receive a T shirt, finisher medal, goodie bag, breakfast, water, electrolytes and medical assistance according to the ICA.
Registration and more information could be obtained by visiting www.icainternationalmarathon.com/registration or by phone on+94 76 54 92 856 according to ICA.
The Half Marathon will be run over a distance of 21.0975 kilometres starting at Galle Face and will go through some of Colombo’s most picturesque locations along the Marine Drive and Galle Road. There will also be a Challengers Run of 10 km and a family run of 5 km.
The prize money for the winners will be a motivating factor for more participants to register according to the ICA. The winners in both the men’s and woman segments will be rewarded with Rs. 1 million, the second prize Rs. 500,000 and the third prize will be Rs. 200,000 and many consolations prizes according to the ICA.
All participants will receive a medal and certificate endorsed by supporting organizations according to Jayadratha Das, Vice President of ICA.
“The event is not just about competition, it’s about promoting health, unity, community support and sustainable tourism. There will also be planting of Na trees by the competitors symbolizing a green footprint and raise funds to help organ donations for transplant,” said Captain Anirban Banerjee, President of ICA who is committed to making this event a success.
He also added that in the future he will make this event as big as it is held in other cities like Tokyo, London, Boston, New York and other famous places where the race is conducted.
All participants will be tested of their fitness and ability to run with the help of Asiri Hospitals that will carry out the tests. They will also be along the course of the run to help any athlete who will feel any discomfort or encounters an injury during the run.
The event facilitator is Single Tree, an event management company that specialises in sporting events. Partner organisations include Continental Tires, Lanka IOC PLC, MAK Lubricants, Asiri Hospital, Sri Lankan Airlines, Moose Clothing, Dialog TV, Hangla – The Ocean Lounge, Indian Bank, the Indian Cultural Center, Courtyard by Marriot Colombo, Taj Samudra Colombo, Thakral & Bolt Group (100 Plus) and Prime Packaging.
