1.7K take part in Kashmir’s first international marathon
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off Kashmir’s first-ever International Marathon from Polo Ground Stadium here on Sunday. Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty was also present with him during the inaugural ceremony.
As many as 1,700 athletes, including international runners, took part in the event.
Officials said the marathon featured top long-distance runners from India as well as elite athletes from Europe and Africa. The event included two category of races - 42-km full marathon and 21-km half marathon.
“I completed the Kashmir Half Marathon at an average pace of 5 min 54 sec per km,” CM Omar Abdullah, who also participated in the marathon, wrote on X.
“I’ve never run more than 13 kms in my life and that too only once. Today, I just kept going, propelled by the enthusiasm of other amateur runners like myself. No proper training, no running plan and no nutrition. I just picked up a banana and a couple of khajoor along the way,” he said.
A J&K government spokesperson said the Kashmir Marathon offered an extraordinary blend of historical, cultural and natural beauty, making it a unique and unforgettable event.
Participants ran through majestic Dal Lake and lush Zabarwan mountain range while passing iconic sites such as Shankaracharya Temple, Pari Mahal and Dargah Shrine.
The spokesperson said the event was organised by the Department of Tourism. The marathon aimed at showcasing the “improving situation in the Valley and promoting Kashmir as a prime destination for international events.”
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty also shared his enthusiasm for the event. He said: “This is going to be one of the most participated marathons in the world. Where else can you get to run 42 kms in paradise!”
“I am thankful to the people of Srinagar for the way they came out to encourage the runners,” he said, adding that he was hopeful that “Kashmir Marathon is organised every year and J&K gets included in the list of world’s top marathons.”
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha “congratulated” all winners and participants.
“This mega event put J&K on the world marathon map. Soon, we will organise Jammu Marathon on a similar scale. These signature running events will bring together runners from across the globe and encourage tourism,” Sinha’s office wrote on X.
L-G felicitates winners
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday felicitated the winners of the Kashmir Marathon. A spokesperson said Manoj Sinha congratulated all winners and participants. Terming the marathon as another historic moment for J&K, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Prime Minister’s decisive leadership and restoration of peace and normalcy in J&K has ensured people can enjoy international cricket matches, Formula-4 race and feel proud by hosting global event such as G20 Summit and International Yoga Day,” the Lt Governor said.
He said the record arrival of tourists’ in the past few years stands as a testimony to the peace, progress and prosperity in J&K.
“With its ideal climate, rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality and scenic beauty, J&K is emerging as a preferred destination for international sporting events,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty said: “I feel blessed to have got the opportunity to be a part of this historic day. With the kind of hospitality and scenic beauty J&K have, I am confident that in the coming days, it will become number one global spot for international events like marathons.”
“Efforts will surely be made to bring more films to J&K,” he said.
