Shillong, June 24: The Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) has announced that the 5th Sohra International Half Marathon will take place on September 4, 2026, in Sohra, with organisers aiming to attract 11,000 participants this year.
The marathon, organised jointly by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, Meghalaya Athletics Association and the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, has witnessed steady growth since its inception. In 2025, the event recorded 10,550 participants, prompting organisers to increase the target for this year’s edition.
The event will feature three categories — the 21km Half Marathon, 10km Race, and 5km Fun Run. The race has already received certification from World Athletics and is expected to be registered with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, a move expected to boost its international profile.
Registration will open on July 1 through the MSOA website and will remain open until August 15 or until the participant limit is reached.
MSOA Working President John F. Kharshiing said that AIMS registration would further enhance the reputation of the Sohra Marathon at both national and international levels.
Director of Sports & Youth Affairs Dikki D. Shira informed that the event budget has been maintained at around Rs 3 crore, similar to last year.
The Elite 21km category will offer attractive cash prizes, with Rs 3 lakh for the winner, Rs 2 lakh for the runner-up and Rs 1 lakh for third place. Additional consolation prizes will be awarded to athletes finishing between fourth and eighth positions.
Registration fees will range from Rs 100 to Rs 2,000, while residents of Sohra will be allowed to participate in the 5km Fun Run free of cost. Organisers expect the event to further strengthen Meghalaya’s reputation as a destination for sports tourism and long-distance running.
