Shillong, Sept 22: The third Sohra International Half Marathon, one of the biggest endurance sports events held in north-eastern region, concluded with participation of 7,200 runners from across the world besides a sizeable number of local community members.
The results were testimony to strong competition amongst the lead runners with the men’s 21K winner Akashay Kumar completing the race in just 1:03:00 (one hour, three minutes)! The women’s 21K winner Ankita Ben Gavit took 1:40:04, just .08 second ahead of the second place!
The enthusiasm was palpable as over 2,000 runners from Sohra itself participated in the event that also witnessed 10K and Run for Fun (5K) races.
The local communities also came together to support the organisation of the event from volunteering to cleaning, as well as turned up to cheer the runners on.
The overwhelming participation is a sign of the increased interest in the event on a national scale, with a building international presence in progress.
Minister Kyrmen Shylla; MLAs Gavin Miguel Mylliemngap (Sohra) and Balajied Kupar Synrem (Shella); and MDCs Titos Chyne (Sohra) and Bajop Pyngrope (Rambrai) were also present at the event organised by Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Meghalaya State Olympic Association, and Meghalaya Athletics Association.
The technical conduct of the event was conducted seamlessly as per Indian Athletics Standards and overseen by officials of the Federation, according to a statement.
The participants at the 3rd Sohra International Half Marathon 2024 where 7500 participated starting from Laitsohpliah and collimated Sohra organized by the Sport Department Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Olympic Association on Saturday.
