SHILLONG, Nov 6: Acclaimed cross country runners from Meghalaya Olympic Association added the local fervour to the second edition of the half marathon organised by Assam Rifles as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations as they participated in the event and presented a challenge to the runners of the armed forces and CAPFs.
The celebrations also encompass the “Fit India Movement”.
The half marathon, which took place at the headquarters of Directorate General Assam Rifles, Laitkor, on Sunday, commemorates Amrit Mahotsav (diamond jubilee) of independence of India and the glorious post-independence history of its people, culture, and achievements.
Meghalaya Governor BD Mishra distributed the prizes to winners.
The run was open to men and women of various age groups. The core theme for the event was to promote the spirit of unity and national integrity.
The event was a major success as it had massive and enthusiastic participation of serving personnel and families of Assam Rifles, Army, Air Force, CRPF, CISF, SSB, BSF, and Meghalaya Police.
The three categories of the run were for 21 km, 10 m, and 5 km — each category had the segment of different age groups. A total of 303 people participated in the 21-km run, 512 in the 10-km run and 224 in 5-km run.
The elan and spirit of the marathon got a zestful fillip with the participation of ladies and children in all categories.
Children barely 5 years of age also participated and successfully completed the 5 km category run, thereby showing their resolve and physical fitness.
The winners of 21-km run in various age groups included Emphius Nongrum and Darisha Langjuh (21 to 30 years age group), Suvisje and Lt Col Shreya Rawat (31 to 40 years age group), Comdt Pramod Kumar and Mrs Aarti Yadav in 41 to 50 age group, Col Eben Simeon and Beena Venkatesh in over 50 years age group, Lt Gen PC Nair, AVSM, YSM, PhD, DG Assam Rifles, participated in over 50 years age group of 21-km run and won a prize.
