Shillong, Sep 4: The 5th Sohra International Half Marathon was held today on a sodden and foggy morning, with two Meghalayan runners finishing on the podium of the elite men’s and women’s categories.
The men’s 21km half marathon race was won by Satish Kumar Verma in a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes and 4 seconds, which was faster than last year’s winning time (01:03:24 by Dinesh Kumar). Close on Satish’s heels was Kenyan runner Kisilu John Muinde (01:03:14) and less than half a minute behind him was the bronze medallist Emphius Nongrum of Meghalaya (01:03:38).
The women’s elite race was won by Tejaswini Narendra Lambkane (01:15:20), who was nearly four minutes faster than the silver medallist Neeta Patel (01:19:15). In third was another Meghalayan, Balasiewdor Pathaw, who finished in 01:20:38.
The elite prize money was hiked this year and the two winners both received Rs 3 lakh each, while Rs 2 lakh went to the second-placed finishers and Rs 1 lakh for those who came third. Consolation prizes of Rs 10,000 each will go to those from fourth to eighth.
The event was organised by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association in collaboration with the state government’s Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Meghalaya Athletics Association and was officially recognised by the Athletics Federation of India. The special guest on the occasion was Sukant Suki Singh, known for being the first Indian to complete three 200 mile ultramarathons.
The 2026 edition saw the registration of 11,672 runners across all categories, most of whom were in the 5km fun run.
In the Meghalaya-only categories, Wolbetstar Ramsiej topped the men’s 21km race in 1:03:26, while Marqueenless Ramsiej emerged the winner in the women’s category with a timing of 1:23:55. Wolbetstar’s time was good enough for third if he had competed in the elite category. The 21km Meghalaya open winners received Rs 50,000 each as prize money.
In the 10km event, Wankyrmen L Mawphlang won the 18–39 men’s category in 28:28, while Daplin Wahlang topped the corresponding women’s category in 37:20. Bharat Bhushan emerged winner in the 40–54 men’s category with a time of 29:14, while Mena Mary Wahlang led the women’s category in 41:55. In the 55 and above category, Swonding Mawlong won the men’s race in 38:07, while Thlingda Wanniang topped the women’s event in 45:00.
The 10km 18-39 winners received Rs 30,000 each and the 10km 40-55 and 55-plus winners took home Rs 25,000 each.
(Photos contributed)
