Shillong, September 4: The 5th Sohra International Half Marathon 2026 was held on Friday with a record 11,672 registered runners, drawing athletes from Meghalaya, other parts of India and abroad.
The event was organised by the Meghalaya State Olympics Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Meghalaya Athletics Association, and is recognised by the Athletics Federation of India.
Satish Kumar Verma won the Elite Men’s 21 km race with a timing of 1:03:04, while Tejaswini Narendra Lambkane claimed the Elite Women’s title in 1:15:20.
In the Meghalaya Open 21 km category, Wolbetstar Ramsiej won the men’s race in 1:03:26, while Marqueenless Ramsiej topped the women’s category in 1:23:55.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, addressing the gathering, said the marathon had grown from just 750 runners in its early years to nearly 12,000 participants in 2026.
He said registration had been deliberately capped to ensure proper facilities and logistical support, adding that demand could otherwise have crossed 20,000 entries.
Shylla said athletes from nearly 24 states took part in this year’s event and highlighted its socio-economic impact on local homestays, transport providers and farmers.
He said the marathon was also helping establish Sohra as a major sporting destination beyond its traditional identity associated with rainfall and waterfalls.
India’s ultramarathon runner Sukant Suki Singh, who was present at the event, praised Meghalaya’s sports infrastructure and natural setting and described the State as having the potential to emerge as a major sporting destination in the country.
In the 10 km races, Wankyrmen L Mawphlang won the 18-39 years men’s category in 28:28, while Daplin Wahlang topped the women’s category in 37:20.
Bharat Bhushan won the 40-54 years men’s category in 29:14, while Mena Mary Wahlang won the corresponding women’s race in 41:55.
In the 55 years and above category, Swonding Mawlong won the men’s race in 38:07, while Thlingda Wanniang topped the women’s event in 45:00.
The prize money for the Elite Men’s and Women’s categories was doubled this year, with Rs 3 lakh for the winner, Rs 2 lakh for second place and Rs 1 lakh for third. Participants finishing fourth to eighth received consolation prizes of Rs 10,000 each.
The event also featured coordinated traffic and route management by volunteers and State Police, while doctors, paramedics and water stations were deployed along the course for participant safety.
The Sohra International Half Marathon is officially recognised and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The State Government said such events are aimed at providing competitive opportunities for local athletes while encouraging fitness among the public.
