Shillong, Jun 22: Wanbok L Mawphlang and Marqueenless Ramsiej won the open men’s and women’s events, respectively, at the 5th Shillong 10K Run, organised by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, here on Saturday morning.

The race is an annual affair held to celebrate International Olympic Day, which is observed on June 23rd to mark the foundation of the International Olympic Committee in 1894. Races of 10km in length are held all over the world on the nearest Saturday as part of the occasion and Shillong has been no exception, with hundreds of runners, from teenagers to senior citizens, taking part every year in a competitive and fun-filled race.

Wanbok crossed the line first and, thus, took victory in the Open Men’s category. Close on his tail was Iwelljohn Ramsiej in second and Sainkupar Jyrwa in third.

In the Open Women’s category, Marqueenless, who was third last year, claimed victory, with Balasiewdor Pathaw coming second and Ivanjilin Khongwir third.

In the 50-plus Men’s event, Badon Tham defended his title from 2023, with Swonding Mawlong and Laurence Pariong in second and third places, respectively. The corresponding women’s event was won by Ralinda Marbaniang in first place, followed by Smarless Marwein in second and Ibameri Shullai in third. Septuagenarian inspiration Kmoin Wahlang finished a commendable fourth.

The race was flagged off by Assistant Director in the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Paia B War Nongbri, in the presence of MSOA General Secretary, Finely L Pariat, and other senior MSOA officials.

The route began at the gate of Polo Ground complex before heading to 4th Furlong, BK Bajoria School, PGT College, Shillong Commerce College, Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah Police Point, Laitumkhrah Police Beat House, Fire Brigade, Dhankheti, Barik Point, Civil Hospital, State Central Library, Meghalaya Secretariat, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Governor’s House, Ward’s Lake, Chief Minister’s residence before concluding back at Polo Ground.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category, with the winners receiving Rs 5,000, second-place finishers – Rs 3,000 and those in third place – Rs 2,000. Consolation prizes for fourth to sixth positions were also presented and special prizes were given to the senior citizen runners.

All runners will be able to download their participation certificate through the MSOA website (https://meghalayaolympicassociation.com/) in a week’s time.

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