Shillong, Sept 04: The 5th Sohra International Half Marathon 2026 was successfully held today, bringing together regional, national, and international athletes to Meghalaya. The event was organized by the Meghalaya State Olympics Association (MSOA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, Meghalaya Athletics Association and official recognised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
The 2026 edition saw the registration of 11,672 runners across all categories, reflecting the growing engagement with the State’s sports initiatives. Participation included international athletes and runners from other states, confirming the event’s expanding national and global footprint.
In his keynote address, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya highlighted the event’s remarkable evolution from a modest starting field of 750 runners to nearly 12,000 participants. He explained that registration was deliberately capped to ensure high-quality logistical support and proper facilities for all runners, noting that demand would have otherwise easily exceeded 20,000.
Welcoming athletes representing almost 24 states across the country, Shylla emphasized the marathon’s widespread socio-economic impact, which directly benefits local homestay operators, transport providers, and farmers, while establishing Sohra as a top-tier sporting destination beyond its traditional fame for rain and waterfalls.
Stressing the vital role of physical endurance and mental health, he urged departing participants to serve as goodwill ambassadors for Meghalaya’s hospitality. Looking ahead to upcoming athletic milestones, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preparation as Meghalaya prepares 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.
Shri Sukant Suki Singh, the ‘First Indian to Complete Three 200-Mile Ultramarathons, praised Meghalaya’s exceptional sports infrastructure and natural beauty, identifying the state as the future sporting capital of India. He specifically commended the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, for completely transforming the region’s sports landscape and actively nurturing athletic talent from a young age. Highlighting the availability of world-class facilities, Suki emphasized that the government’s visionary approach to youth sports and community building is setting a benchmark for the rest of the country.
It witnessed strong performances across all its competitive categories, with Satish Kumar Verma emerging winner in the Elite Men’s 21 km category with a timing of 1:03:04, and Tejaswini Narendra Lambkane claiming the Elite Women’s title in 1:15:20. In the Meghalayan categories, Wolbetstar Ramsiej topped the Men’s 21 km race in 1:03:26, while Marqueenless Ramsiej emerged winner in the Women’s category with a timing of 1:23:55.
In the 10 km event, Wankyrmen L Mawphlang won the 18–39 Years 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 Years Men’s category with a timing of 29:14, while Mena Mary Wahlang led the Women’s category in 41:55. In the 55 Years & Above category, Swonding Mawlong won the Men’s race in 38:07, while Thlingda Wanniang topped the Women’s event in 45:00.
In alignment with the event’s prestigious international certification, the prize purse for the Elite Category (Men and Women) was officially doubled from previous editions, offering ₹3,00,000 for 1st prize, ₹2,00,000 for 2nd prize, and ₹1,00,000 for 3rd prize; and consolation prizes of ₹ 10,000 each went to those from fourth to eighth.
Beyond the elite showdown, cash prizes were handed across multiple categories, featuring ₹50,000 for the 21km Meghalaya Open champion, ₹30,000 for the 10km Meghalaya 18-40 winner, and ₹25,000 for winners in the 10km Meghalaya 40-55 and 55-plus brackets.
Event logistics, route management, and crowd control were executed by coordinated teams of volunteers and the state police department. Participant safety was monitored by dedicated medical teams comprising doctors and paramedics, with water stations systematically installed along the designated routes.
Notably, the 5th Sohra International Half Marathon is officially recognized and certified by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). By organizing athletic events of such calibre, the State aims to provide a competitive platform for local athletes while simultaneously encouraging the public to adopt fitness-oriented lifestyles.
