Marathon-runners in Goa and across India are excited about the new, ’20 Miler’ (32km) running event introduced for the first time at the 13th SKF Goa river marathon scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 10 in Chicalim.
Vasco Sports Club, organisers of this popular marathon have added the ’20 Miler’ race to their existing list of 5km school category, 5km fun run, 10km, 21km and 42 km runs. Nitin Bandekar, president of Vasco Sports Club said, “ The 20-Miler race has been introduced to encourage half-marathoners to make the transition to the full marathon gradually. We could also be the only marathon in the country making this offering.”
Bengaluru-based runner, Sahana Vishwanath said, “I have been running 21kms since last three years. I wanted to go beyond this mark to test my potential, take risks, and a give myself a chance to become better. This will be my first, SKF Goa River Marathon and I am looking forward to it.”
Running coach from Bengaluru, D. Dharmendra is also looking forward to participating in the 20 Miler race. He said, “I am using the 20 Miler as a training run for the Mumbai Marathon. Running in Goa is challenging. Especially, for someone who does not train in high humidity or higher temperatures.”
Aldona-based runner, Sheryl Rodrigues, who has also registered for the 20 Miler race said, “The 20 Miler is something new and amazing, that has been introduced by Vasco Sports Club this year. I want to push my limits and challenge myself.”
Likewise, Mormugao-based Amit Tapadia, an experienced marathoner said, “I have done several ultra marathon runs in the last few months. I therefore wanted to do the 20 Miler, before my full marathon in Mumbai in January 2024.”
Manish Bhatnagar, Managing Director of SKF India Ltd., said, “We are proud to renew our partnership as the title sponsors of Goa River Marathon. Both organisations share a commitment to celebrating the joy of running and the power of the human spirit.”
