Marathon runners in Goa and across India are excited about the new 20-miler (32 km) running event introduced for the first time at the 13th SKF Goa river marathon scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, in Chicalim.
Vasco Sports Club, organiser of this popular marathon, has added the 20-miler race to its existing list of 5-km school category, 5-km fun run, 10-km, 21-km and 42-km runs.
Nitin Bandekar, President, Vasco Sports Club, said, “The 20-miler race has been introduced to encourage half marathoners to make the transition to the full marathon gradually. Ours could be the only marathon in the country making this offering.”
Bengaluru-based runner, Sahana Vishwanath, said, “I have been running 21 kms since the last three years. I wanted to go beyond this mark to test my potential, take risks, and give myself a chance to become better. This will be my first SKF Goa River Marathon and I am looking forward to it.”
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
D Dharmendra, Bengaluru running coach
Bengaluru running coach, D Dharmendra, is also looking forward to participating in the 20 miler. 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 my own self.”
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, 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.”