Sohra International Half Marathon drew a record 11,672 registered runners in its fifth edition on September 4, 2026, making it the biggest staging of the event so far. The race brought together athletes from nearly 24 states across India, along with international participants, strengthening Meghalaya’s growing reputation as a destination for competitive running and sports tourism.
Organised by the Meghalaya State Olympics Association (MSOA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Meghalaya Athletics Association, the event was officially recognised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). It is also certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), giving the race wider recognition on the competitive running circuit.
Sohra International Half Marathon reaches new milestone
The latest edition marked a significant expansion for the race. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the event had grown from a modest field of around 750 runners in its inaugural edition to nearly 12,000 participants in 2026. The 11,672 registrations therefore represent a major increase in participation over just a few editions.
The growing turnout also reflects increasing interest in athletics and mass-participation sporting events in Meghalaya. The race attracted runners from different parts of the country, while international participation added to its competitive profile.
The event featured elite and open categories over 21 kilometres, along with 10-km races for different age groups. The mix allowed experienced athletes to compete alongside runners participating in organised road racing at different levels.
Elite winners deliver strong performances
In the elite men’s 21-km race, Satish Kumar Verma emerged victorious with a time of 1:03:04. Kenyan runner Kisilu John Muinde finished second in 1:03:14, while Meghalaya’s Emphius Nongrum secured third place in 1:03:38. Verma’s winning time was also faster than the previous year’s winning mark of 1:03:24.
Tejaswini Narendra Lambkane won the elite women’s 21-km category in 1:15:20. Neeta Patel finished second in 1:19:15, while Meghalaya’s Balasiewdor Pathaw took third place with a time of 1:20:38. The podium finishes by local runners added to the significance of the event for Meghalaya’s athletics community.
In the Meghalayan open 21-km category, Wolbetstar Ramsiej won the men’s race in 1:03:26, while Marqueenless Ramsiej topped the women’s category in 1:23:55.
10K races attract runners across age groups
The 10-km events also recorded strong participation, with separate competitions designed for different age groups. Wankyrmen L Mawphlang won the men’s 18-39 category in 28:28, while Daplin Wahlang topped the corresponding women’s event in 37:20.
Bharat Bhushan won the men’s 40-54 category in 29:14, with Mena Mary Wahlang taking the women’s title in 41:55. In the 55-and-above category, Swonding Mawlong won the men’s race in 38:07, while Thlingda Wanniang finished first among the women in 45:00.
The organisers also increased the prize money for the elite category this year. Winners received ₹3 lakh, runners-up ₹2 lakh and third-place finishers ₹1 lakh, while fourth to eighth-place finishers received ₹10,000 each.
A growing sporting destination for Meghalaya
The scale of the Sohra International Half Marathon is increasingly contributing to Meghalaya’s wider sports and tourism ambitions. Sohra, popularly known as Cherrapunji, is already one of the state’s best-known tourist destinations, and a large sporting event brings additional visitors who use local accommodation, transport, food and other services.
The race also comes as Meghalaya prepares to host the 39th National Games next year. The rising participation in major sporting events is therefore significant for the state’s efforts to strengthen its sports infrastructure, athlete development and event-management capabilities.
Preparations for the race involved coordinated arrangements among organisers, volunteers, police, doctors and paramedics. Water stations were also positioned along the routes to support participants during the competition.
Traffic arrangements were put in place ahead of race day. The Meghalaya government announced restrictions on key roads leading towards Sohra from 4:30 am to 10 am on September 4, while emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire tenders were exempted. Authorities advised travellers and tourists to plan their journeys accordingly.
With 11,672 registrations, international participation and strong performances from Meghalaya runners, the fifth edition has established a new benchmark for the Sohra International Half Marathon. The event’s rapid growth highlights the rising popularity of distance running in the Northeast and offers Meghalaya another platform to combine competitive sport with its broader tourism and sporting-development goals.