Shillong, Sept 27: The 4th Sohra International Half Marathon 2025 witnessed record-breaking participation as 10,576 runners from across India and abroad converged in the picturesque town of Sohra on Saturday, making it the biggest edition of the event so far.
Organised by the Meghalaya State Olympics Association (MSOA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, and recognised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the marathon brought together professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, senior citizens, children and first-time runners. Participation rose sharply from about 7,000 last year, with 13 international athletes and 337 runners from other states joining the race.
The event was flagged off by Olympic medalist and six-time world champion MC Mary Kom, in the presence of Sports Minister Wailladmiki Shylla, Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliemngap, and senior officials.
Mary Kom praised the organisation and the scenic beauty of Sohra, calling it an “exceptionally well-organised marathon” with “mesmerising views and perfect weather.” She congratulated the participants and lauded Meghalaya’s efforts to promote sports and fitness. “With the National Games on the horizon, this event marks a significant milestone for Meghalaya,” she said.
Director of Sports and Youth Affairs DD Shira, MCS, said the overwhelming response reflected Meghalaya’s growing enthusiasm for sports. “With over 10,000 runners, this event showcases the state’s potential to emerge as a sports hub,” he remarked.
The marathon featured categories including the 21K Elite, 21K Open, 10K Open (18–39 years), 10K Open (40–54 years), 10K Veteran (55+ years) and a 5K Run for Fun. More than 2,000 runners from Sohra itself took part, alongside participants from across Meghalaya and beyond.
Adding to the spirit, senior citizens and children ran alongside seasoned athletes. A striking sight was a local grandmother running the 5K “Run for Fun” in her traditional jainkyrshah, cheered on by the crowd. Families, too, joined with young children running hand in hand with their parents.
The event was supported by volunteers from local communities, police, medical teams, and line departments. Water stations and first-aid facilities were set up across the route to ensure safety.
The marathon concluded with a prize distribution ceremony graced by Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, MLAs Balajied Synrem and Gavin Miguel Mylliemngap, senior IAS officers, and AFI officials. A total prize money of ₹15.50 lakh was distributed among winners across categories.
Key Results
21K Elite (Male):
1st – Dinesh Kumar (01:03:24)
2nd – Kresstarjune Pathaw (01:03:29)
3rd – Ravi (01:05:30)
21K Elite (Female):
1st – Tamsi Singh (01:15:48)
2nd – Tsehay Desalegn Adhana (01:16:17)
3rd – Km Sangeeta Pal (01:21:03)
21K Open Meghalayan (Male):
1st – Iohborlang Nongspung (01:05:22)
2nd – Rishanmehi Ryngklem (01:05:37)
3rd – Monas Bongrung (01:06:35)
21K Open Meghalayan (Female):
1st – Phyrnai Kyndait (01:27:29)
2nd – Filinza Hansepi (01:29:06)
3rd – Bethlyne Grace Makri (01:34:08)
10K (18–39 yrs Male):
1st – Navneet Singh Rathore (00:29:31)
2nd – Wanshankopar L Mawphlang (00:29:51)
3rd – Rohit Kumar Rai (00:30:15)
10K (18–39 yrs Female):
1st – Neha Mishra (00:34:14)
2nd – Meena Kumari Subba (00:36:25)
3rd – Marqueenless Ramsiej (00:36:37)
10K (40–54 yrs Male):
1st – Bharat Bhushan (00:30:11)
2nd – Tlanding Wahlang (00:31:27)
3rd – Kmenlang Dkhar (00:33:13)
10K (40–54 yrs Female):
1st – Dipamoni Deka (00:42:53)
2nd – Sushmita Rai (00:44:27)
3rd – Twina Pariong (00:44:36)
10K (55+ yrs Male):
1st – Swonding Mawlong (00:37:50)
2nd – Bikhayt Deuri (00:38:08)
3rd – Krishna Tamang (00:38:15)
10K (55+ yrs Female):
1st – Thlingda Wanniang (00:47:25)
2nd – Romika Pyrtuh (00:47:54)
3rd – Snora Rani (00:48:15)
Also Read: Meghalaya emerges as a global draw, foreign tourists lead the way
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