By Our Reporter
AMPATI, Dec 10: As part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and the 50th Statehood celebrations, a half-marathon was flagged off by South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ch Ramakrishna Chitturi, on Friday at Students’ Field, Ampati, which was partaken by as many as 566 enthusiastic participants from across the state.
Overwhelmed by massive turnout, the District Sport Officer of South West Garo Hills, Saljagring M Marak stated that he has never registered this many number of participants for a marathon in his entire career. He said that the numbers crossed beyond their expectations that they ran out of race numbers.
Encouraged by the number of participants, he also announced that better and bigger event will be organised next year.
The 21 km run from Ampati to Zikzak and fro, was spearheaded by District Sports Office, South West Garo Hills, for both Men and Women in collaboration with District Administration of South West Garo Hills.
Hepstarly Lyngkoi from Mawkyrwat became the first male finisher by completing the run in 1hour, 10 minutes and 10 seconds, while Batsrang A Sangma from Rongram finished the race in 2nd place. Batsrang’s brother Witnar A Sangma finished 3rd.
Shillong’s Kyntimon Marwein finished the race first in the women’s category. She clocked a time of 1hour, 32minutes and 34 seconds. Smile Orchid M Momin from Tura finished second, followed by Jenny P. Marak of Thakuranbari.
Momin’s father, 61-year-old Topon Sangma from Walbakgre, Tura, became the oldest participant to complete the run.