Hiruni , 10000M New National Champion

US-based distance runner Hiruni Wijayarathne won her first ever national track event as she overcame all competition in the 10000m yesterday with a time of 35 minutes and 30 seconds. Hiruni, who represented Sri Lanka in several international events such as the World Championship and the Commonwealth Games, returned to Sri Lanka in order to qualify for the Sri Lanka team in upcoming international championships by competing in the NAC – a goal she achieved without much trouble, although Nilani Ariyadasa gave her a run for her money by keeping up with her until last round.

“It was good race, this Girl (Nilani) surprised me”, said Hiruni after the race. “I just wanted to win this as tomorrow’s (today) 5000m going to be a challenge. It was important for me to get acclimatized to the heat and humidity here prior to Doha’s World Championship.”