SOHRA:
The 2nd Sohra International Half Marathon concluded in style with 3000+ runners under different categories turning up for the event in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The event, recognised by World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India, began with the 21K event, and had the 10K and Run for Fun (5K) events in a staggered fashion.
Runners from Assam, UP, and New Delhi came for the run, including International seasoned marathoners from countries such as Kenya.
Dr. Vijay Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, Isawanda Laloo, Director, Sports and Youth Affairs, Hema Naik, SDO Civil (Sohra), and John F. Kharshiing, Working President, Meghalaya State Olympic Association flagged off the run.
While the 21K Elite Category was won by Elkana Rolo from Kenya who completed the run in 1:06 Hours, Indian runners were not far behind, with the 21K Elite Women’s Category being won by Renu Singh form India, with a timing of 1:10 hours.
In addition to the Podium places, awards were also given to up to 5 Consolation places.
The highlight of the event, however, was the Run for Fun category, where over 2000 runners participated, some as young as 6 years old.
The run was testament to the excitement that such events bring to the area as spectators lined up on either side of the road cheered for the runners
A host of media outlets and other officials of the national athletics stakeholders added to the pomp of the event.
The Closing Ceremony was graced by the presence of Shakliar Warjri, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, as well as the MLAs of the Sohra and Shella constituencies, Gavin Mylliem and Balajied Synrem.
It was informed that going forward, the Department will continue to build the legacy of the Marathon, and improve the sporting ecosystem of Meghalaya.