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Winner Mikiyas Yemata, middle, flanked by the first and second runners-up of Hornbill half marathon posing for the lens in Kohima on Sun. Dec. 2 (DIPR)[/caption]
Kohima, Dec. 2 (EMN): 26 year old Ethopian national, Mikiyas Yemata, sprinted his way to take the podium at the coveted eight edition of the annual Hornbill half marathon, in Kohima on Sun. Dec. 2.
Yemata who is synonymous with long distance running had bagged many championships like the Bangaluru Marathon, Tura Half Marathon amongst many others in his stride. It was his first time competing in the 21.097 Km Hornbill Half Marathon and took him 1 hour 12 minutes and 51 seconds to reach the finish line.
- Mosa Chang, who was the winner of the previous edition, came second with a timing of 1 hour 13 minutes and 16 seconds. Hempao M won the third place.
Sharing his experience, Yemata who had aspirations to represent his country in the next summer olympics said," the race was tough because of the high altitude and the route which was very difficult. I'll do training in hilly places and come, else it's very difficult", he said. He also expressed his desire to compete again next year.
Altogether 133 runners from across the state and beyond participated in the competition, including three from Ethiopia. The champion received a cash prize of INR 50,000. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners received INR 20,000, INR 10,000, and INR 5000 including certificates.
