Shillong, Sep 27: Dinesh Kumar and Tamsi Singh won the Elite 21km men’s and women’s races respectively at the 4th Sohra International Half Marathon 2025 in picturesque Sohra today.
Kumar crossed the finish line in a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes and 24 seconds followed by Kresstarjune Pathaw (01:03:29) and Ravi (01:05:30).
Tamsi, meanwhile, won with a time of 1:16:48. She was followed by Tsehay Desalegn Adhana (01:16:17) and Km Sangeeta Pal (01:21:03).
In the Open Meghalaya category, Iohborlang Nongspung was the fastest of all who crossed the finish line in a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes and 22 seconds. He was followed by Rishanmehi Ryngkhlem (1:05:37) and Monas Bongrung (1:06:36).
The Open Meghalaya women’s race was won by Phyrnai Kyndait (01:27:29), with Filinza Hansepi (01:29:06) second and Bethlyne Grace Makri (01:34:08) third.
The 10km races were also keenly contested, with Navneet Singh Rathore winning the men’s 18-39 age category with a time of 29 minutes and 31 seconds. Wanshankopar L Mawphlang (29:51) came second and Rohit Kumar Rai (30: 15) was third.
In the women’s 18-39 10km race, Neha Mishra was first in 34:14, followed by Meena Kumari Subba at 36:25. Marqueenless Ramsiej was third in 36:37.
There were also the 40–54 and 55+ age categories.
The Sohra marathon saw record participation with 10,576 runners registered across categories. Participation has risen sharply from about 7,000 last year, with 13 international athletes and 337 runners from other states confirming.
The race began at Laitsohpliah and ended at Mawsmai (Nohsngithiang Falls viewpoint).
Senior citizens too chose to defy their age and ran alongside the youngsters and athletes. A senior citizen running in her jainkyrshah (traditional clothing worn by woman folk belonging to the Khasi Tribe), and folded pants was all smiles as she ran keeping up with other runners in the 5k “run for fun” while there were many running behind her.
The total prize money for the fourth edition was about Rs 15.50 lakh.
Olympic medallist and six-time world champion, MC Mary Kom, flagged off the event in the presence of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliemngap.
Mary Kom noted that with the National Games on the horizon, the event marked a significant milestone in their journey to bring recognition to their state. She stated that she was proud to support the cause and hoped that the athletes would strive for excellence, bringing medals to their state and country.
The marathon was organised by the Meghalaya State Olympics Association (MSOA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, and recognised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
