The 2nd Sohra International Half Marathon 2023 will take place on September 30 with some 3,500 runners having registered to take part in the various categories.
Recognised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the event is being organised jointly by the Meghalaya Athletics Association and the Meghalaya State Olympic Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The total prize purse is Rs 11.7 lakh and 3,547 participants have signed up, including six international runners. This is up on the roughly 700 participants from the inaugural event last year.
There will be an Elite open 21km run, Meghalaya open 21km run, Meghalaya open 10km run, 10km race for those between 45 and 55 years and a veterans category above 55.
Today, a ground inspection of the entire route and logistical preparations for the half marathon was conducted from Laitsohpliah to Sohra led by Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Isawanda Laloo, who is also chairperson of the organising committee.
The marathon’s route, starting at the CP School in Sohra and winding through the picturesque path from Mawkdok to Sohra, allows runners to soak in the lush greenery and mesmerising waterfalls of Meghalaya.
Elijah Kipruto Kemei has come all the way from Kenya to take part for a second time. “I want to improve my performance and, ultimately, win the event. The course is fantastic, and the organisers have been excellent. The hospitality we’ve experienced here in Meghalaya has been outstanding,” he was quoted as saying in a press release today.
