Shillong, Oct 31: The National Unity Day Run was held bright and early at Nongpoh today, with Skhemlang Suba winning the men’s event and Barisha Khymdeit the women’s.
The 10km race was open to all Ri-Bhoi residents 14 years and above. It began at Jyntru and ended at the NSCA Indoor Hall. There were 72 runners in all who took part.
Suba crossed the line in a time of 34 minutes, 3 seconds, a little over a minute ahead of the second-placed Monas Bongrung (35:05), who was, in turn, a minute and a half in front of the third-placed Lapynkhraw Thabah (36:36).
In the women’s event, Khymdeit took first place with a time of 48:45, which was more than three minutes ahead of Julina Bongrung (51:55) in second. Iarlinda Mukhim (1:00:15) came third.
The winners each received Rs 5,000 as prize money, with Rs 3,000 going to each of the second-placed finishers and Rs 2,000 to those who came third.
There were also special prizes for the oldest participants – Helmanshon Makri (men) and Mialda Khymdeit (women) – who finished the race in 72 and 75 minutes respectively.
The race was organised by the office of the District Sports Officer in collaboration with the district administration. It was flagged off by Extra Assistant Commissioner Walden Massar. Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association Secretary Dipshon Ryntathiang was also present on the occasion.
(Office of Ri-Bhoi District Sports Officer photo)