Pokhara Marathon-2002
Giri claims top spot

By Our Correspondent

Pokhara, Feb. 16: Khimu Giri of the Royal Nepalese Army hogged the limelight in the Pokhara Marathon-2002, as he claimed the title here today.

In the event participated by 1505 runners, the Tribhuwan Club of the army claimed five top spots. Giri outpaced the rivals with a time of 2 hour 26.24 minute to claim the title. Along with three foreigners only 95 runners were able to complete the run.

Rewat Bahadur Dahal, and Yam Bahadur Pudasaini of the army claimed the second and third positions in the event with the slogan 'Run for Fun'.

After the victory, Giri said that he had found it easier to run in Pokhara than Kathmandu as Pokhara had a good track to run on.

Giri, who gained success at his ninth try, looked happy because the victory has enabled him to participate in the coming Belgium marathon. Member Secretary of National Sports Council Binod Shankar Palikhe said that NSC will bear all the cost for Giri’s Belgium participation.

The event was organized jointly by the NSC, Nepal Trourism Board, and Surya Tobacco was also assisted by Pokhara’s 14 different associations.

Chief Guest Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upadhyay distributed cup, certificates and other prizes. At the function, Palikhe, Pokhara Sub-Municipal Mayor Krishna Thapa and other distributed certificates to the participants.

The top ten positions:

1) Khimu Giri 2:26.24 2) Rewat Thapa 2;29.11 3) Padam Bahadur Pudasaini 2:34.42 4) Nar Bahadur Khatri 2;39.23 5) Anand Ram Shrestha2:43.19 6) Jeet Raj Lamichhane 2:46.32 7) Surendra Maharjan 2:48.17 8) Jagganath Bista 2:49.18 9) Narayan Deshar 2:49.18 10) Purna Bahadur Devkota 2:51.45

Today’s ( Sunday) fixtures:

NRT Vs. Sikkim 12:30

MMC Vs. ANFA Academy 2:30

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