8 Dec : As a part of the Hornbill festival, the State Level Naga Half Marathon Race organized by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports was held on 7th December 2008 at the State capital.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, Naiba Konyak graced the function as the chief guest and also flagged off the run to the participants. Earlier before the run, addressing the participants Konyak said that the winners of the competition would be given training and coaching by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports and sent to various competitions outside the state. He further said that the Government and the Department is committed and serious about the development of the youth in the field of sports and called upon all serious athletes and sportspersons to take advantage of the facilities and assistance offered by the Government.
Asakho Joseph of Kohima emerged as the champion of the Naga Half Marathon Race 2008 taking 1.24.43 hour and covering the allotted distance, while Kumlipong Chang and Chingleon Phom both from Dimapur bagged the 1st and 2nd Runners up respectively. The winner received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh while the 1st and 2nd Runner-ups received Rs, 50,000/- and Rs. 25,000/- respectively.
Altogether 105 participants turned up for the run out of 111 registered. 77 participants could complete the race, and were also awarded certificates. Unfortunately, no female participated in the race.