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Colombo, October 25, 2017: SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance, in view of its operations to Melbourne commencing this month was the title sponsor of the Half Marathon event of the coveted Melbourne Marathon Festival, which marks its 40^th anniversary this year.

The event provided plenty of excitement with Australian of Ethiopian origin Ms. Makda Haji, turning up unexpectedly on race morning to win the women’s race in a record time of 1hr 10min 39sec, while Aussie Brett Robinson was the first male across the line in 64.01.

Ms. Haji, commenting on her victory said, "I hope I can inspire other young women with refugee backgrounds to participate in marathons, demonstrating their talent and strength of spirit to the broader community.”

The winner of the male category, the 26-year-old Robinson is a professional runner, having represented Australia in the 2016 Rio Olympics in the final of the 5000 metres. He has raced in Moscow, Beijing and Oman and is keen to add Colombo to his list of international running destinations.

Brett described his participation in the SriLankan Half Marathon as a brilliant day, “Running with 30 plus thousand people of all levels and different goals is amazing. You’re out there with people who want to beat you and others who just want to make it to the finish line.”

“Melbourne is a great course because you get to take in a lot of the city as well as the magnificent view over Port Phillip Bay, finishing up at the MCG.”

Over 40,000 spectators cheered on 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.

Beginning of the SriLankan Airlines Half Marathon

Winner of the male category, Brett Robinson

A group of runners finishing the race

Winner of the female category, Makda Haji

Lisa Kennedy and Ryan Hicks competing as Wonder Wing Man and Woman, completing the course in 1:59

Steve Moneghetti, one of Australia’s all-time greatest marathon runners having competed in four Olympic games, four Commonwealth Games and six World Championships, was present to cheer the runners of the Melbourne Marathon.

Prize distribution- Female Category: The winner Makda Haji (centre) along with the first runner up Jessica Trengove and the second runner up Eloise Wellings with SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Suren Ratwatte (far left) and Manager Australia Mr. Sanjeeva Jayatileke (far right).

Prize distribution- Male Category: The winner Brett Robinson (centre) along with the first runner up Yuki Yagi and the second runner up Liam Adams with SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Suren Ratwatte (far left) and Manager Australia Mr. Sanjeeva Jayatileke (far right).

The iconic finishing point: Melbourne Cricket Ground

Margherita Traina pictured with SriLankan Airlines cabin crew members. She has competed in eleven marathons and nineteen half marathons around the world. Trainer is keen to run the Colombo Marathon and experience the Sri Lankan culture.