Anusanka clinches half marathon title to continue unbeaten run

by Reemus Fernando

Sadeepa Anusanka of Moaratu Vidyalaya continued his unbeaten run in the schools circuit when he won the boys’ title of the All Island Schools half marathon last week.

Peshalika Maduwanthi of Paanthiya Maha
Vidyalaya crosses the finish line to win the
girls’ half marathon

Anusanka returned a time of one hour, 15 minutes and 38 seconds to win the title ahead of Northern Province athlete Suman Keeran of Mulankavil Maha Vidyalaya, Kilinochchi. A.K.D. Dilhara of Miriswatta National School finished third.

Anusanka has been the undisputed champion in long distance track events in the Under 20 boys’ category this year. He extended his track success to the road event winning almost a minute ahead of Suman Keeran.

Sadeepa Anusanka of Moaratu Vidyalaya wins the
boys’ half marathon of the All Island Schools
Games.

He commenced the year with double titles at the Junior National Athletics Championships. He was the winner of both the 10,000 metres and the 5,000 metres.

At the Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletics Championships Anusanka clinched the boys’ Under 20 5000 metres title with a time of 16:33.8 seconds.

With the Western Province Schools athletics Championships titles also under his belt he will be heading for next month’s All Island Schools Games with confidence.

Action at the turning point of the race.

Meanwhile, in the girls’ category, Peshalika Maduwanthi of Paanthiya Maha Vidyalaya won the half marathon title as she clocked one hour, 34 minutes and 52 seconds. Oshadini Nelumika and Chamila Siriwardena won the second and third places.

Half marathon champion Sadeepa Anusanka is flanked by Suman Keeran and A.K.D. Dilhara as they pose with their awards