Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, flagged off the highly anticipated Kashmir Marathon, with over 2,000 participants representing 13 countries. The event, held for the first time at an international level in the valley, aimed to position Kashmir as a peaceful and capable host for global events.
Among the athletes were top long-distance runners from India, Asian gold medallists, and elite runners from Europe and Africa. The Chief Minister himself participated in the half marathon, completing the 21-kilometer course in under two hours, despite having no formal training.
“I’ve never run more than 13 KM in my life,” Abdullah tweeted, expressing his pride in joining the enthusiastic runners and sharing a personal anecdote about grabbing a banana and dates during the race for energy. Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty also attended the flagging-off ceremony, adding star power to the event.
Abdullah highlighted the significance of the marathon, stating, “The Kashmir Marathon will soon become one of the top athletic events globally. I am thankful to the people of Srinagar for coming out to support the runners.”
The marathon was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department as part of a broader effort to showcase the region as a peaceful and welcoming destination for international gatherings. “These athletes will become our brand ambassadors, promoting Kashmir’s rich culture and heritage,” said Raja Yaqoob, Director of Tourism.