The 15th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon (SKF-GRM), one of India’s most celebrated long-distance running events, is set to take place on Sunday, December 14. The scenic Chicalim panchayat ground will serve as both the start and end point for this year’s race.
Organised by Vasco Sports Club, the SKF-GRM continues to grow in popularity, drawing thousands of runners from across India and abroad. This year’s event will feature five race categories: Full Marathon (42 km), 20 Miler (32 km), Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km, and 5 km.
Addressing media persons at a conference held in the city on Thursday, Nitin Bandekar, president of Vasco Sports Club, said: “The response this year was very heartening and we are expecting close to a record 7,500 runners from across India and overseas for the event. Our event is responsible for generating significant revenues for the tourism sector in Goa.”
According to Bandekar, the theme for this year’s SKF GRM is “Pace for Peace”, in a bid to spread the word of peace during these times of war and destruction.
With a total prize money of Rupees 8 lakhs, the SKF-GRM continues to attract elite runners and passionate amateurs alike. Mukund Vasudevan, managing director of SKF India (Industrial), the title sponsor, remarked, “At SKF, we are proud to be the Title sponsor of the Goa River Marathon – a celebration of endurance, community, and movement. GRM reflects our mission to fight friction and push boundaries, just like sport does”
Rakesh Unny, secretary, Vasco Sports Club said that the Abbot World Majors will rank the timings of SKF-GRM participants in their worldwide ranking systems, enabling participants to qualify for the various World Majors races like the London, Boston, New York and the Chicago marathons.
This year, the organisers are also organising two associated events, a previous night, “Carbohydrate Loading” dinner and “Post Race Sports Festival Rave” at 4pm in the evening after the race.
Registrations for the December 14 race have been opened and runners can register at www.skfgoarivermarathon.com
