Sarath Kumara wins road race

S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Correspondent

RACE: Twenty three year old K. M. Sarath Kumara of Ukuwela won the 20 kilometre road race organised by the Young Mens Christian Association Kandy in connection with their Centenary Celebrations held in Kandy.

Sarath Kumara who started off briskly slowed down a little having gained a substantial load to romp home winners.

This road race was conducted through the streets of Kandy with the support of the Ministry of Sports officials and the Police. In second place was A. M. J. Wijeratne of Mailapitiya while D. M. R. B. Kumara also from Ukuwela finished third.

With all three top places going to village lads, proved the point that the best talent is found in the rural areas and needs tapping.

This Road Race was organised well and the officials must be complimented for their organising ability.

Over fifty runners participated in this race which went through traffic and dust and smoke emanating from the passing vehicles but the runners displayed a lot of grit and determination.

The results of the first 14 are:

1. K. M. Sarath Kumara, (Ukuwela), 2. A. M. J. Wijeratne (Mailapitiya), 3. D. M. R. B. Kumara (Ukuwela), 4. O. G. Somasiri (Matale), 5. D. M. N. Kumara (Matale), 6. L. Chaminda (Matale), 7. R. A. P. Karunaratne (Ampitiya), 8. S. Ekanayake (Kandy), 9. J. B. Abeykoon (Ampitiya) 10. R. Wijesinghe (YMCA Kandy), 11. F. Norbert (YMCA Kandy), 12. D. Hewawasam (YMCA Kandy), 13. S. P. Weerakoddy (Kandy), 14. R. L. Herath (Kandy)