Five thousand runners are expected at the Rs 8 Lakh prizemoney SKF-Goa river marathon (SKF-GRM) to be held on Sunday, December 8. The event will start and end at the Chicalim panchayat grounds, Vasco.
The 14th edition of GRM, which is considered to be the most popular marathon held in Goa, will be conducted in the full marathon ( 42 kms), 20 miler ( 32 kms), half-marathon ( 21 kms), 10 kms and 5 km event categories.
Addressing mediapersons at a conference held in the city on Thursday, Vasco Sports Club president Nitin Bandekar said that they were expecting close to 5,000 runners from across India and overseas participating in the event this year.
According to Bandekar, the theme for this year’s SKF-GRM is “Steps for All” and the event was a pioneer to spread the sport of long distance recreational running all over Goa. “Typically, every year, 65 per cent of the athletes are out-station athletes and the balance are from Goa. Last year, there were participants from all the 28 states of India and at least 21 foreign countries. Our event is responsible for generating significant revenues for the tourism sector,” Bandekar said. According to Bandekar, the total prize money this year would be Rs 8 lakhs.
Mukund Vasudevan, Managing Director of SKF India, the event’s title sponsor said, “We at SKF take immense pride in our continued partnership as the Title Sponsors of the Goa River Marathon. SKF India’s shared ethos with this event—celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the sheer joy of sports, resonates deeply with us. The SKF Goa River Marathon stands as a beacon, drawing enthusiastic participants from every corner of India, fostering a community dedicated to a healthy lifestyle.”
Rakesh Unny, secretary, Vasco sports club said that the SKF-GRM was an AIMS ( Association of International Marathons) approved event. “The route has been marked and approved by AIMS officials. This ensures that the full marathon finishing time at SKF-GRM can be used for qualification to participate in the various World Majors races like the – London, Boston, New York and the Chicago marathons,” Unny said.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte sent a special message, praising the GRM for its contribution towards growth of sports tourism in the state.
Registrations are now open, and runners can sign up on the official website: www.skfgoarivermarathon.com
