Shillong, Oct 24: Rephica Becky Pde, an ultra marathoner from Meghalaya, claimed first place in her age category in the second edition of the Tawang Marathon, held on Thursday in Arunachal Pradesh.
Pde completed the full marathon distance of 42 km in the challenging high-altitude terrain, which began and ended at the Tawang Stadium.
The marathon, organised by the Arunachal Pradesh government in collaboration with the Indian Army, is regarded as one of the toughest races in the country due to the region’s low oxygen levels. Standing at an altitude of about 10,000 feet above sea level, Tawang poses a formidable challenge to even the most seasoned athletes. This year’s edition of the marathon saw approximately 4,000 participants competing in various categories, including 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km races. In addition to the difficult terrain, runners faced inclement weather, adding to the marathon’s overall intensity.
Rephica Pde is no stranger to gruelling races. A well-known name in the ultra marathon community, she has previously competed in and won numerous high-altitude events across India, including the Ladakh Full Marathon, the Khardungla Challenge, and the Kalimpong Ultra Marathon.
Her latest achievement at the Tawang Marathon further cements her reputation as one of India’s most accomplished long-distance runners.
