Shillong, Jun 28: There will be a significant increase in the prize money for the 3rd Sohra International Half Marathon 2024, which will take place on 14th September.
This was stated by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association General Secretary Finely L Pariat during a sit-down with reporters yesterday. Also addressing the media was MSOA Working President John F Kharshiing and the two covered a wide variety of subjects, such as next year’s 6th Meghalaya Games in Jowai, this year’s 3rd Sohra International Half Marathon and deferred elections to the MSOA executive council.
The MSOA has been organising the Sohra International Half Marathon in collaboration with the Meghalaya government since 2022, when just 700 runners took part. Since then it has grown in popularity and has become a way to show off the state as a tourism destination through sport as it takes in a picturesque route in the Sohra area.
Winners of the Elite category half marathon (21km) received Rs 1 lakh each (male and female) in 2023 but this year this particular purse has been doubled to Rs 2 lakh. Other categories can also expect a bump up in prize money, though the exact amounts weren’t revealed.
Last year there was also an Open Meghalaya half marathon category, 10km category (with sub-divisions based on age) and 5km run for fun. Some 3,000 participants hit the road running, with around two-thirds being in the fun run.
Total prize money in 2023 was Rs 11.7 lakh, with runners coming from around India and Kenya taking part. The race was held on the Laitsohpliah to Mawsmai road in a staggered fashion.
The event was recognised by World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India and the MSOA has applied for recognition this year as well.
(Representative photo)
