SHILLONG, SEPT 4: The 5th Sohra International Half Marathon 2026 was held on Friday, drawing a record 11,672 registered runners and reinforcing Meghalaya’s push to emerge as a sporting destination, the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs said.
The event was organized by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Meghalaya Athletics Association and officially recognised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
In the elite 21 km race, Satish Kumar Verma won the men’s title with a timing of 1:03:04, while Tejaswini Narendra Lambkane clinched the women’s title in 1:15:20.
In the Meghalayan open 21 km category, Wolbetstar Ramsiej won the men’s race in 1:03:26 and Marqueenless Ramsiej won the women’s race in 1:23:55.
Addressing the gathering, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the marathon has grown from 750 runners in its inaugural edition to nearly 12,000 now.
He said registration was capped to ensure quality logistics and facilities, adding that demand would have otherwise exceeded 20,000.
Welcoming athletes from 24 states, Shylla said the marathon has a direct socio-economic impact, benefiting homestay operators, transport providers and farmers, while positioning Sohra beyond its identity as a destination for rain and waterfalls.
He urged participants to serve as goodwill ambassadors for Meghalaya’s hospitality and said the state is preparing to host the 39th National Games next year, pledging to make it “one of the best and most memorable national games in the country’s history.”
India’s ultramarathon icon Sukant Suki Singh, the first Indian to complete three 200-mile ultramarathons, who graced the event, praised the state’s sports infrastructure and natural beauty.
Identifying Meghalaya as “the future sporting capital of India,” Singh commended Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for “completely transforming the region’s sports landscape and actively nurturing athletic talent from a young age.”
In the 10 km events, Wankyrmen L Mawphlang won the 18-39 years men’s category in 28:28 and Daplin Wahlang topped the women’s category in 37:20. Bharat Bhushan won the 40-54 years men’s race in 29:14, Mena Mary Wahlang won the women’s race in 41:55, while Swonding Mawlong (38:07) and Thlingda Wanniang (45:00) won the 55 years & above men’s and women’s categories respectively.
The department said the prize purse for the Elite Category was doubled this edition in line with its international certification, offering Rs 3,00,000 for first prize, Rs 2,00,000 for second and Rs 1,00,000 for third, with consolation prizes of Rs 10,000 from fourth to eighth positions. Cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 25,000 were offered across Meghalaya open categories.
The race is officially recognized and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the department added.
