Shillong, Jan 26: Long-distance runner Tlanding Wahlang was formally conferred with the Kiang Nangbah Award for sports at the Republic Day celebrations here today.
Born in 1979, Wahlang is a father of four children and grows paddy in his village of Shngimawlein in Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills. He has been a farmer his whole life. Tlanding started running consistently in 2015 after which he started taking part in races in Shillong. He first received a podium position in his age category at the 2015 Sohra Cherrapunjee Marathon.
Run Meghalaya then took all the local podium winners to participate in the Bengaluru Marathon that same year where Wahlang finished third in his age category. Since then he has been part of many Run Meghalaya teams that have participated in various national marathons.
He most recently took part in the Mumbai Marathon on 19th January where he again took first in his age category.
Tlanding started increasing his distance so he could participate in the inaugural Mawkyrwat Ultra in 2017, which was held in his home village Shngimawlein. He won that event, completing the 72km course in 5 hours and 42 minutes. Since beginning his ultra-marathon endeavors his endurance has increased and he has developed into a competitive ultra-marathoner.
This year he earned enough International Trail Running Association points and made the cut-off required to make the India team led by Athletic Federation of India which travelled to Portugal in June to participate in the World Trail Championships. Wahlang was also recently a part of the Indian team that participated in the Asian and Oceanic 100km championship held in Aqaba, Jordan on 24th November.
(Directorate of Information & Public Relations photo)
