Though, soccer is a passion in Goa, what’s hogging limelightat the moment is the ‘Goa River Marathon’ (GRM). A google search for ‘Goa RiverMarathon 2012’ returns over 18 lakh results which, if anything, makes astatement.
Dubbed health festival by the GRM sponsor Narayan Bandekarand a second carnival by Vasco legislator Carlos Almeida, the marathon slatedfor December 9, has athletes from the state, India and foreign countries.
The hosts Vasco Sport Club have managed to nearly double theparticipation figures, with 1120 athletes for the half marathon this year,compared to 700 in the previous edition, while three women athletes from Kenyawill participate for first time. Last year’s first runner up Soji Mathew andAvtar Singh both top athletes from India, have confirmed their participation.
“For the first time, three Kenyan woman athletes haveconfirmed their participation,” said confident Rakesh Unny, the convener ofGRM. Last year nearly 4000 participated in the Fun walk.
The biggest achievement of GRM is that it is rated the fifthbest marathon in India and have running enthusiasts from countries like Kenya,France, Britain, China, Argentina, Australia, Canada, US, Germany, Singaporeand Kazakhstan. The scenic route of the marathon which begins from the seafrontat Baina beach and meanders through the village along river Zuari, is widelyappreciated by the runners.
Elaborating on the smooth functioning of the race Unny saidthat “300 volunteers from colleges, clubs, members of Village Panchayat ofChicalim and Mormugao Municipal Council will be assisting the runners.”
“We have learnt from our previous mistakes. This time we hada numbers of orientation meetings and various committees are put in place tostreamline traffic related problem during event,” said Unny.
He said that Timing Technologies India(TTI), the Indiancompany used for marathons across the globe is roped in for the event
Live coverage of the event is still a major challenge beforethe organisers as this year also the hosts have failed to rope in live coverageby sport channels, but organisers feel it will not dampen the spirit of therace.
