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Kolkata: Srinu Bugatha and Bengal girl Shayamali Singh aim to better the course record as their compatriots also promise a fight to the finish line on the race day of the sixth edition of Tata Steel Kolkata 25K.

Srinu who took the top spot at the recently concluded Airtel Delhi Half Marathon with a 1:04:33 timing sounded confident about his preparation: “I have prepared well for Kolkata and hoping for a good competition tomorrow. Last year I finished second here and this time I definitely want to do better and try to bag gold this time.”

Bengal girl Shyamali Singh hails from Raniganj and won Indira Marathon this year said: “I have improved a lot after my training in Kenya and improved my timing. I will definitely aim at breaking course record but as we all know it depends on how your body responses on the race day. All I can say is till my body permits I will not give up but fight.” Apart from them Elite Distance Running Programme athlete Harshad Mhatre, who came third at the ADHM 2019 with timing 1:05:12, second place holder Vasai Virar Marathon 2019 Tirtha Pun and last time addition to the the only IAAF accredited Silver Label race at this unique distance were also present during the press conference along with debutant Arati Patil in Elite Indian female category.

When asked about the toughest competitor in this category Pun took Srinu’s name who has 100 medals in National and International Running events under his belt since he took up the sport in 2010. All the athletes expressed their joy over the wonderful weather of Kolkata, the condition and arrangements.

Srinu said: “All the arrangements are good. The condition and weather is also good here in Kolkata.” Local girl Shyamali reiterated the same hoping for a stiff competition on a well prepared race day.

Indian course record holders:

2016 Lakshmanan G IND 01:17:16 (Men’s)

2015 Sudha Singh IND 01:27:31 (Women’s)

Race Category:

25K Run (Including Vijay Diwas Cup)

3800

Open 10K Run (Including Police Cup)

5695

Ananda Run

4531

Senior Citizens Run

1014

Champions with Disability

405

Grand Total

15445