Top four runners with officials of 3E Nagaland. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 2
Mikiyas Yemata from Ethiopia won 8th Hornbill Half Marathon 2018 held here under the aegis of 3E Nagaland in collaboration with
Tourism Department as part of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.
Yemata crossed the finish line in 1 hour 12 minutes and 51 seconds.
He pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.
26 year old Yemata earlier won the Bangaluru Marathon, Tura Half Marathon among many others.
It was his first time competing in the 21.097 Km Hornbill Half Marathon in Nagaland.
Sharing his experience, Yemata said "It's nice, but very difficult to compete because of the high altitude and the route is very difficult, the athletes here are very strong."
He expressed his desire to join again next year.
He is associated with a sports club in Ethiopia. “Everyday, I run 12 to 13 kms in the morning and 7 to 8 kms in the evening."
He aims to compete in the next Summer Olympics.
7th edition winner I. Mosa Chang stood second position. He finished at a timing of 1 hour 13 minutes and 16 seconds.
He pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 20,000.
Hempao, who finished at 1:13:49 stood third position and received Rs. 10,000. Cuvoto Medeo (1: 14: 18) stood fourth place and awarded with Rs. 5000.
Altogether, 133 runners including three professional runners from Ethiopia joined the event.
This time round, women category have been cancelled due to low participants. The event was officiated and certified by the Nagaland Athletics Officials Club (NAOC).
Top Ten Runners
Mikiyas Yemata (1:12:51)
I. Mosa Chang (1:13:16)
Hempao M, (1:13:49)
Cuvoto Medeo (1: 14: 18)
Ermiys Yemata (1:15: 58)
Jonathan (1:16:08)
M. Nokching Chang (1:16:51)
Thsapongki Sangtam (1:18:04)
Terefe Shewangzan (1:18:41)
P. Phongnyei (1:19:08)
