More than 3,000 runners from across the country turned out in Shillong on Sunday for the fifth edition of the Assam Rifles Half Marathon, reflecting growing participation in the annual fitness event, an official statement said.
The marathon was organised at the Directorate General Assam Rifles headquarters at Laitkor and drew participants from 26 states and two Union territories.
Set in the higher reaches of the East Khasi Hills, the event brought together professional athletes, amateur runners and volunteers, along with senior officials from the armed forces and government.
The race was held in three categories — Cloud Chase, Pine Path and Crystal Stream. Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera flagged off the 21-km half marathon, while senior officers of the force inaugurated the 10-km and 5-km runs.
According to the organisers, a total of 3,038 runners took part, including 559 in the half marathon, 1,502 in the 10-km race and 977 in the 5-km category.
Participants received medals, certificates and commemorative T-shirts, while cash awards totalling Rs. 20 lakh were distributed among 48 winners across categories, in addition to several consolation prizes.
In the elite 21-km events, Sandeep Devrari of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army clinched the men’s title with a timing of 1 hour and 7 minutes.
The women’s crown was won by Tamsi Singh from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, who finished the race in 1 hour and 23 minutes.
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Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, attended the event as chief guest and presented prizes to winners in the 21-km and 10-km categories.
He lauded the participants for their enthusiasm and sporting spirit.
Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Lakhera said the marathon aims to promote fitness, wellness and community bonding in the Northeast, noting that participation had more than doubled compared to the previous edition.
The Assam Rifles also acknowledged the support of the Meghalaya government in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
