A marathon aimed at promoting culture of fitness, which will also be watched by Limca Book of Records was announced in Shillong on Monday.
The run titled, “An AdventuRe in the Rain” will be held on August 25 at Sohra, once known as the wettest place on earth, and presently one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Meghalaya.
The event will start from Saitsohpen and end at the same venue.
Divided into four categories, runners for the full marathon have to cover a distance of 42.2 km, while half marathon covers a distance of 21.1 km.
A distance of 10 km is fixed for beginners, and 5 km fun run for families and newcomers.
The organizers expect between 1500 and 3000 participants.
The event aimed at promoting a culture of fitness and to encourage athletes to adopt running as a career.
Announcing the marathon, Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh said that Shillong, known as the rock capital of India, will also be known as the sports capital.
Sohra MLA, Gavin Miguel Mylliem was also present on the occasion, and assured full support to the initiative which he hoped would promote tourism and sports in the state and Sohra in particular.
James Perry informed that the run would be recorded, and the Limca Book of Records has also agreed to judge the marathon.
“The marathon will be professionally managed and the race will be accurately timed with high-tech chip technology from Sports Timing solution, India,” he said.
According to Marathon Committee chairman, Kailash Verma, to increase the number of participants, a lucky draw has been also worked out with two prizes – first prize (Maruti Celerio), second prize (Pulsar 150 motorcycle).