Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: A record 11,672 runners swarmed Sohra on September 4 for the fifth Sohra International Half Marathon. The massive turnout signals a new peak for the event, which hosted athletes from 24 states and several international runners. The Meghalaya State Olympics Association, the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, and the Meghalaya Athletics Association co-organized the race.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla noted the meteoric rise in local participation. He stated, "The marathon had grown from an initial field of around 750 runners to nearly 12,000 this year." Organizers capped registrations to manage logistics, as the region prepares to host the 39th National Games next year. The event boosted the local economy by driving demand for transport and lodging.
Satish Kumar Verma dominated the elite men's 21-km race with a time of 1:03:04. Kenya's Kisilu John Muinde took second at 1:03:14, with Emphius Nongrum finishing third at 1:03:38. In the women's elite 21-km category, Tejaswini Narendra Lambkane finished first in 1:15:20, followed by Neeta Patel at 1:19:15 and Balasiewdor Pathaw at 1:20:38. Wolbetstar Ramsiej won the open Meghalayan men's 21-km race, while Marqueenless Ramsiej took the women's top spot.
Top prizes doubled to ₹3 lakh for winners, ₹2 lakh for runners-up, and ₹1 lakh for third-place finishers. Fourth through eighth place finishers netted ₹10,000 each. The 10-km races spanned several age brackets. Winners included Wankyrmen L Mawphlang, Daplin Wahlang, Bharat Bhushan, Mena Mary Wahlang, Swonding Mawlong, and Thlingda Wanniang.
Safety teams, including police and medical staff, managed the AIMS-certified and Athletics Federation of India-recognized course. Ultramarathoner Sukant Suki Singh attended, highlighting the region's rising status as a premier sports hub.
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