The stage is set for the Sohra Marathon as the organizers get ready to welcome runners from India and abroad to one of the most beautiful routes in India on August 25.
The monsoon during August will also add more charm into the marathon in this Meghalaya location, and in the process, the organizers will bid for the world record for holding it in the wettest place on earth.
“We will create a world record on August 25. It will be another feather in the cap of Northeast region. This will be a run in the wettest place on earth. Limca Book of Records, in principle, has agreed to adjudicate the marathon,” said Kailash Varma of Rotary Club of Shillong, the organizer of the event.
The marathon will have full marathon run of 42 kilometres, half-marathon of 21 kilometres and a 10-kilometre run along with a 5-kilometer fun run.
“The 42-km route is one of the most scenic routes in India without any doubt. August is at the height of the monsoon in Sohra (Cherrapunjee) known for its world record rainfall. The route will pass by scenic rivers, waterfalls and landscapes that will awe each and every participant,” added Varma who is also the chairman of the Sohra marathon committee.
The vision of the Rotary Sohra Marathon is to establish a sustainable community focused running event, not an onetime event, encouraging the athletes of all levels to lead healthy lifestyles and further their personal fitness through running and to promote the running culture in the region and the entire country, said Varma.
James Perry from Canada, who has run many international marathons, is the race director. Perry said that the Sohra Marathon will be run on an internally certified course, measured by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.
“Some Kenyans are coming to give us international exposure and flavour. Besides, we are also negotiating with some of the known faces which will be finalized in the next several days,” said Perry.
The organizers are expecting at least 1,500 participants in seven age categories.
Apart from that, the organizers have also organized a lucky draw to encourage more participants.
The Sohra Marathon was organised in 2015 and 2016 under the aegis of Run Meghalaya. However, it could not be held in 2017 “because of unmanageable finances and logistics”.
