The curtain raiser to the milestone event in the State’s calendar will start with The Shillong Half Marathon - for a greener tomorrow, on Saturday 27th October, 2012.

“The event will be organized to create awareness about the need to preserve and care for the environment,” said Raphael Warjri of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF).

The event with the theme ‘for a greener tomorrow’ comprises half marathon and cycling race for the youth for 13 miles, and the green walkathon and junior run for children and for those who want to run or walk a shorter distance of 5 miles only.

All the pit stops (fluid stations) along the route shall have posters and messages that shall highlight the various aspects of our degenerated environment like air pollution, garbage management, polluted rivers and water resources, random mining and quarrying, abuse and neglect of our heritage structures among others.

The events will begin at 7 am from Madan Iew Rynghep, Nongthymmai and finish at the Polo parking lot.

The MTDF is also encouraging participants to display costumes and fancy dresses or placards that highlight the issues of concern to create awareness on the degeneration of the environment.

The total cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh will be given to the winners of the three events in different categories. There will be other prizes, certificates and medals for the half marathon, cycling race and the junior run.

Prizes will also be given to the best costumes, placards and biggest contingent in the Green Walkathon.