Shillong, July 3 : The 4th Sohra International Half Marathon, recognized by World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), is scheduled to take place on September 27, 2025. The event is a collaborative effort between the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA), the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, and the Meghalaya Athletics Association. Organizers are anticipating over 10,000 participants this year, a significant increase from the 7,000 runners in the previous marathon.
During a press briefing, DD Shira, MCS, Director, Sports & Youth Affairs department, John F Kharshiing, Working President, MSOA, and Finely Pariat, General Secretary, MSOA, extended an invitation to athletes and sports enthusiasts from Meghalaya and beyond. D. D. Shira highlighted the collaboration with local heads and Dorbar Shnongs in Sohra to ensure the event’s success and commended the support from the Sohra sub-division office, police, and other line departments.
John F Kharshiing urged participants to register by September 10, 2025, emphasizing the marathon’s aim to promote fitness, the state, and tourism. Finely Pariat reinforced the event’s role in promoting Sohra as a prime tourist destination.
The total prize money for the marathon is Rs 15.50 lakh, with a total budget of Rs 2 crore covering technical and logistical expenses. It was noted that this marathon offers the highest prize money while remaining affordable. Sohra residents participating in the fun run will have no entry fee.
The marathon features various competitive and inclusive categories for men and women, including the 21K Elite Open and Meghalayan (for participants above 18 years), 10K Open races (with age groups spanning 18 to 59 years), and the 5K ‘Run for Fun’. A special prize will be awarded to athletes over 50 years who complete the 21K race to encourage lifelong participation in athletics.
The race will commence at Laitsohpliah, located 6 km beyond the Mawkdok bridge, and will conclude at the Mawsmai (Nohsngithiang Falls viewpoint). To ensure a smooth event, roads leading to Sohra from Shillong will be closed from 6 am to 10 am on race day. Free transportation will be provided for all athletes and event staff between Shillong and Sohra, with runners departing Shillong at 3 am to reach the starting point.
Registration is available both online and offline at the MSOA Office in JN Stadium, Shillong, and at Sohra Shop near the Petrol Pump at Lad Thanad. The entry fee is Rs. 1,000 for the 21K categories, Rs. 200 for all 10K categories, and Rs. 50 for the 5K Run for Fun. The last day for registration is September 10, 2025.
T-shirts and bib numbers for 21K and 10K participants will be distributed on September 25 and 26, 2025, at the JN Stadium, Polo Grounds. Participants in the 5K Run for Fun from Shillong and surrounding areas can collect their kits on September 26, 2025, at the same venue, while those from Sohra can do so in Sohra on the same day.
