From Our Correspondent
Tura, Nov 5: The Tura Runners’ Club (TRC) took a commendable step towards promoting a healthier lifestyle by hosting the fifth annual edition of ‘Turathon’ on a picturesque stretch of the Tura – Shillong highway.
The event, which featured both full and half marathons, unfolded at Bolbokgre in Jengjal under the West Garo Hills. Turathon 2023’s “Green and Clean Run” theme resonated with the community, drawing an impressive turnout of more than 300 participants from diverse backgrounds.
The marathon featured four distinct categories, catering to runners of all ages and abilities. These categories included the grueling 42k, the challenging 21k, the competitive 10k, and the accessible 5k, with age eligibility spanning from 8 years to those above 65, encompassing both male and female participants. Bolbokgre LP School in Jengjal served as the starting and finishing point for all categories, providing a convenient and centralized location for the runners.
The 42k category participants had their designated U-turn point at the Megagre Bridge, precisely marking the 21km milestone. Eligibility for this category was open to individuals between 18 years and those above 65.
For the 21k participants, their turnaround point was set at Rongalgre, positioned at the midway mark of 10.5km, with the same age eligibility criteria of 18 years to those above 65.
Runners in the 10k category made their U-turn at Watregre Songma, with eligibility extending from 12 years to participants above 65.
Lastly, the 5k race participants reached their U-turn point at Watregre as well, catering to an age group ranging from 8 years to individuals above 65.
To ensure the well-being of all participants, the organizers strategically placed water stations, provided energy drinks, and made first aid readily available every 2 kilometers along the route.
The event went beyond the race itself, offering warm-up exercises and energizing Zumba sessions before the run, and soothing cool-down stretches at the conclusion of the race.
The Tura Runners’ Club has built a legacy of organizing marathons over the years, with ‘Turathon’ emerging as its signature event. In a relatively short span, ‘Turathon’ has earned its reputation as a premier destination for distance running in the North-East.