By Our Reporter
Shillong, July 19: The third edition of the Sohra International Half Marathon 2024 will take place on September 21 with a record participation anticipated for this year’s event.
Recognised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the event is being organised jointly by the Meghalaya Athletics Association and the Meghalaya State Olympic Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
While speaking to reporters here on Friday, MSOA working president, John F. Kharshiing informed that runners from all over the country, including Japan, have expressed interest in participating in the marathon.
Kharshiing also argued that the ongoing drive against migrant workers will not pose any problems to the event as the government has taken initiatives to address the issue and the NGOs have also extended support to the sporting extravaganza.
He said that the Sohra International Half Marathon, besides being an important athletic event for the state, will also promote tourism in Sohra, a place not known to many.Kharshiing also informed that the last date of entry for participation in the event has been fixed on September 10.
The various categories of the Sohra International Half Marathon 2024 include 21K Elite Open (above 18yrs Men & Women), 21 K Open (above 18yrs), 10K Open (40yrs to below 50yrs), 10K Open (50yrs to below 60yrs), 10K Veteran (Above 60yrs) and 5K Run for Fun (Men & Women).
The registration fees for the 21K Elite Open (above 18yrs) and 21 K Open (above 18yrs) is Rs 1000. The registration for the 10K Open (40yrs to below 50yrs) and 10K Open (50yrs to below 60yrs) is Rs 200. There are no registration fees for the 5K run for fun.
Meanwhile, MSOA general secretary, Finely Pariat informed that the route for this year’s event will be the same as the previous edition. The race will start from Laitsohpliah (6km ahead of Mawkdok bridge) and ends at Mawsmai (Nohsngithiang Falls viewpoint).
Pariat however informed that the prize money for the 21k elite open category for above 18 years from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.50 lakh for the first prize winner.According to him, the total prize money for this year’s event is Rs 14.60 lakh.
He informed that they also decided to add more categories following requests from the local runners which include 40 to below 50 years age category and 10k marathon for the above 60 years category.MSOA general secretary said that 21k and 10k is an open event for local, national and international marathoners.Pariat also said that the marathoners cannot register and participate in two events.There will be a special prize for above 50 years above athletes who finish the 21K, Pariat.