Hiruni Wijerathna, the US based Sri Lankan marathoner established a new women’s marathon national record clocking 2:36:35 at the Houston Marathon concluded yesterday (15th) in Houstan, Texas.
Renewing the National record books just weeks into the new year, Hiruni managed to better the previous national record of 2:40.07 established by Niluka Rajasekara at the 2015 Hong Kong marathon which earned Rajasekara qualification for the Rio Olympics. It was a valiant effort by Hiruni as she also managed to shave 7 minutes from her previous personal best. This is the 4th national record to go under Hiruni’s name as she currently holds the record for 10km, 15km and the half marathon. The record time clocked by Hiruni has earned her the qualification to participate at the Common Wealth Games which will be held in Gold Coast, Australia.
Having moved to the United States 17 years ago, Hiruni received her first opportunity to represent the country in an international competition last year when she qualified for the IAAF World Championship by winning the USA Eugene marathon with a time of 02:43.31. However in London at the World Championship she had to give up the race halfway at the 21km mark due to intense cramps.
In October last year, Hiruni who returned to the Island after a long lap of 17 years and competed in Half Marathon at the LSR Colombo marathon. She failed in her attempt to renew her own half marathon record but still managed to win the half marathon with a time of 1:23.21. While her partner Louis Orta made it a perfect outing for the duo winning the men’s half marathon with a time of 1:10.39.
ThePapare.com congratulates Hiruni Wijerathne on her momentous achievement and look forward to bringing news and updates from the strong-willed marathoner in her quest to achieve international glory for Sri Lanka.
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