hornbill marathon
Source: Twitter

Mikiyas Yemata from Ethiopia in Africa won the eighth edition of Hornbill Half Marathon on Sunday organized by Elite Entertainment Enterprise in Kohima as part of the on-going Hornbill Festival.

Mikiyas finished the distance of 21.097 km in one hour 12 minutes and 51 seconds to emerge as the new winner.

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Mosa Chang came second with a timing of 1:13:16 as he failed to beat his own record of 1:08:54) set in the last edition.

hornbill marathon winners
Winner of Hornbill Half Marathon Mikiyas Yemata (middle) flanked by first runner up I Mosa Chang (left) and second runner up Hempao M (right)

The 26-year-old Yemata while sharing his experiences with the media after the race said it was a satisfying experience while adding that the route was very difficult due to high altitude.

He, however, said he would be participating next year with more practice of hilly terrains ahead of the competitive run.

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Yemata received a cash award of Rs 50, 000 and runner-up Mosa Chang bagged Rs20,000 as cash award, while the third placed Hempao M with a timing of 1:13:49 and fourth placed Cuvoto Medeo with a timing of 1: 14: 18 became richer by Rs 10,000 and Rs 5000 respectively.

The Half Marathon was flagged off at new Secretariat Plaza Junction, Kohima at 7 am where 133 men joined the race.

The route for the race started from New-secretariat road and went through – High School Junction – High Court Junction Meriema – Tsiesema and back to New Secretariat via High Court Junction Meriema finishing at the starting point.

However, this year the women’s event was not held.