SHILLONG: The Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Donkupar Roy, flagged off the Rotary Sohra Marathon at 7 :05 am by firing a blank shot from a ceremonial rifle.
There were about 800 participants of all ages and hues. The age range of participants was from 7 to 71 years. There are four international participants including two each from Kenya and Ethopia.
However, the first prize in the open category was snatched away by local boy, Tlanding Wahlang from Mawkyrwat while the Second prize went to Ding Moo, from Aunachal Pradesh and the third prize went to Ainew Meconnen from Ethopia.
In the lucky draw, the first prize, the Marauti Celerio, was won by Munivson Dom Mylliengap and the 2nd Prize, the Baja Pulsar, was won by a 10-year-old girl Feredelycia Wann, she is from Saitsohpen Village in Sohra where the event took place
The Marathon was a very meticulously planned and there were 17 water stations – one water station at every 2 Km on the incline and 2.5 Km in other areas.
It was a mini India at Saitsohpen on Saturday with runners from all over India present there.
The food was very good and the volunteers cheering the runners all the way was a sight to behold. It was an experience never to be forgotten.
The run started with cheerleaders with their pom-poms encouraging the runners and there was a wonderful presentation of dances of the North Eastern states.