By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum and the State Government in their endeavour to promote Eco Tourism and sustainable environment in the State will host the Shillong Autumn Festival 2012 with curtain raiser events on October 27.
The event is being organized to create awareness about the need to preserve and care for the environment.
The curtain raiser event with the theme ‘for a greener tomorrow’ comprises of the Shillong Half Marathon and Cycling Race for the youth covering a distance of 13 miles, and the Green Walkathon and Junior Run for the children and others wishing to run or walk a shorter distance of 5 miles.
All the pit stops (fluid stations) along the route will have posters and messages that would highlight the various aspects of degeneration of the environment like air pollution, garbage management, polluted rivers and water resources, random mining and quarrying, abuse and neglect of the heritage structures among others.
The 5-mile Green Walkathon is planned as a community event with an environmental cause where school and college students and enthusiast from other institutions are invited to take part.
All the events will begin at 7 am from Madan Iew Rynghep, Nongthymmai and finish at the Polo Parking Lot.
A total cash prize of one lakh rupees will be given to the winners of the three events in different categories.
There will be various prizes, certificates and medals for the Half Marathon, Cycling Race and the Junior Run. Prizes will also be given to the best costumes, placards and biggest contingent in the Green Walkathon.
All the central and State government organizations, NGOs, educational institutions, traditional institutions including local Dorbar Shnong have been requested to join hands in this annual affair to foster peace and harmony.
The Event Ambassador for this Half Marathon will be internationally acclaimed long distance runner from the State – Bining Lyngkhoi – who represented India in the New Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 and was the champion in the Mumbai Marathon for 2010 and 2011.