Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 25
More than 2000 runners took part in the third Kashmir Marathon on Sunday, an event Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said was helping raise the region’s profile as an international sports tourism destination.
CM Omar flagged off the full marathon from Polo Ground in Srinagar at 6:30 am, followed by the half marathon at 7:45 am.
The event attracted professional athletes, recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts from Jammu and Kashmir, other parts of India and overseas.
“The Kashmir Marathon is emerging as a flagship sporting event, strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a global sports tourism destination, boosting tourism, and inspiring a culture of fitness and healthy living across the region,” the CM said.
Organisers recorded 1807 online registrations, including 1221 participants from Jammu and Kashmir, 513 from other Indian states and 73 international runners representing 12 countries. Additional on-site registrations took total participation above 2000, according to the organisers.
The race featured a full marathon of 42.195 km and a half marathon of 21 km, taking runners past prominent Srinagar landmarks, including Lal Chowk, Zero Bridge, Dal Lake, the Jhelum riverfront, the University of Kashmir and the Mughal Gardens.
The third edition carried a total prize purse of Rs 3.17 crore, with the winner in the open category eligible for Rs 25 lakh.
A separate prize category for Jammu and Kashmir residents was introduced to encourage local athletes and provide them with greater opportunities to compete at higher levels.
CM Omar had inaugurated a three-day marathon expo at Polo View on October 22 ahead of the race.
The event combines competitive running with tourism promotion, showcasing Srinagar’s historic neighbourhoods, waterfronts and gardens to participants from outside the region.
Senior officials attending the flag-off included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the Chief Minister’s Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani, Tourism Secretary Avny Lavasa, and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg.
