Kashmir Marathon Held in Srinagar
Srinagar, October 25: The third edition of the Kashmir International Marathon was held in Srinagar on Sunday, bringing together more than 2,000 runners from Jammu and Kashmir, different parts of India and abroad. The sporting event was flagged off by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from Polo Ground, highlighting Kashmir’s growing presence on the national and international athletics map.
The marathon attracted athletes and fitness enthusiasts who gathered to test their endurance while experiencing the scenic beauty of Srinagar. The event featured two major race categories: a full marathon covering 42.195 kilometres and a half marathon spanning 21 kilometres.
The full marathon began at 6:30 AM, followed by the half marathon at 7:45 AM. The routes passed through prominent locations, including Lal Chowk, Polo View, Zero Bridge, Gupkar Road, the Jhelum riverfront, Boulevard Road, Dal Lake, the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Foreshore Road, Kashmir University and the Mughal Gardens.
International Participation and Prize Money
The third edition witnessed participation from athletes representing various states and countries. According to reported registration figures, 1,807 runners registered online, including 1,221 participants from Jammu and Kashmir, 513 from other Indian states and 73 international athletes representing 12 countries. Additional spot registrations took the overall participation beyond 2,000.
The event carried a total prize pool of ₹3.17 crore, making it an important attraction for competitive runners. The winner in the open category was eligible for a prize of ₹25 lakh.
In a significant initiative to promote local sporting talent, organisers introduced a separate prize category for runners from Jammu and Kashmir. The move is intended to encourage young athletes from the Union Territory to participate in long-distance running and compete alongside national and international competitors.
Boost to Tourism and Fitness
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the Kashmir Marathon as an emerging flagship sporting event capable of strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s reputation as a sports tourism destination.
The event also aims to encourage healthy living, physical fitness and wider public participation in sporting activities. The combination of competitive athletics and Srinagar’s natural landscapes provides an opportunity to showcase the region to visitors and international participants.
The marathon is expected to support tourism-related activities and generate wider interest in Kashmir as a destination for sporting events. Local businesses, hospitality providers and tourism stakeholders may also benefit from increased visitor activity associated with such programmes.
A Growing Sporting Tradition
The successful organisation of the third edition represents another step towards establishing the Kashmir Marathon as a regular feature on the region’s sporting calendar.
With participation from across India and abroad, the event highlights the potential of sports to promote fitness, tourism and positive engagement with Kashmir.
Tawi Observer |
