Girl from Nuwara Eliya makes Sri Lanka proud at SCO Kunming Marathon in China

The Shanghai Corporation Organization and the Yunnan Provincial Government organised the SCO Kunming International Marathon on 31 December in Kunming City under the theme “Happy Running in Spring City – closer – nearer and more harmonious.”

Sri Lanka, a dialogue partner of the SCO, was able to send two runners through the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing.  More than 14,000 from 27 countries took part in the event that saw 50,000 amateur runners applying to take part. Apart from China, runners from South and South East Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, also took part.

Sri Lankan female runner Velu Krishanthini was placed fourth among the female full marathon (42km) among the 1,469 runners who completed the run.

Krishanthini, who was leading the first 20km, was only a few short seconds behind Belarusian runner Olga Kaminskaya. The marathon which was telecast live, and a number of ambassadors and VIPs congratulated the Sri Lankan Ambassador for the initial success of the Sri Lankan girl from Nuwara Eliya.  Half way into the marathon, two Chinese runners overlook Kristhanthi and the Belarus runner.  

The final timings were as follows:-

1st place – Zhen Wen Rong, China - 2:50:41

2nd place – Zhang Jing Xing, China - 2:52:57

3rd place – Olga Kainskya, Belarus - 2:59:10

4th place – Velu Krishanthini, Sri Lanka - 3:00.17

The first eight runners were awarded price money as well as medals.  

The severe winter condition affected many foreign athletes.  If Krishanthini had an opportunity of practising ahead of the marathon she could have done better.  According to her coach her timing in Sri Lanka was better than the time she took to complete this marathon.  The male Sri Lankan runner abandoned the marathon halfway since he could not face the severe weather.

Ambassadors including Sri Lankan Ambassador Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku and many VIPs who attended took part in the 500 metre run.