(L to R) Winners- Male and female Categories with SriLankan Airlines CEO, Mr. Vipula Gunatilleka and Manager Australia Mr. Sanjeeva Jayatileka

SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the Oneworld Alliance, coinciding with the second anniversary of its operations to Melbourne, successfully concluded SriLankan Airlines Half Marathon event at the Melbourne Marathon Festival for the third consecutive year.

The 2019 event in its 42 year-long Festival history attracted a total of 37,185 athletes for five events, making it Australia’s largest-ever Marathon, with SriLankan Airlines Half Marathon event recording a sellout. Thomas Do Canto from Australia, who recorded a time of 01:04:2 and Makda Haji Harun with a time of 01:11:15 emerged winners of the male and female categories of the Half Marathon respectively. Nic Harman (01:04:31) and Brady Threlfall (01:06:16) became the first and the second runner up of the male category, whilst Tara Palm (01:11:27) and Lauren Reid (01:12:38) emerged second and third in the female category of the Half Marathon.

An overwhelming number of spectators were present to support participants as they ran past some of Melbourne’s famous landmarks including Flinders Street Station, Albert Park Lake, St Kilda Beach, the
Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens before finishing with a lap of the iconic MCG.

SriLankan Airlines, the title sponsor of the Half Marathon event, celebrates two years of direct daily services between Melbourne and Colombo. The Airline offers modern comforts onboard its state-of-the-art Airbus 330-300, allowing passengers modern comforts, the latest entertainment, and connectivity features amidst the inherent Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality.

(The information is provided by the SriLankan Airlines)