With 73 international runners from 12 countries, the third Kashmir International Marathon combines sport, tourism and a celebration of the Valley’s rich heritage.
Srinagar, Oct 25 : As the morning unfolded along Srinagar’s scenic roads, runners from across India and abroad came together for the third edition of the Kashmir International Marathon on Sunday, turning the sporting event into a celebration of endurance, culture and the Valley’s natural beauty.
Flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the marathon recorded 1,807 online registrations, including 73 international runners representing 12 countries. The participants also included 1,221 local runners and 513 from other parts of India.
Organised by the Tourism Department, the event aims to put Kashmir on the international sporting map while creating opportunities for local athletes, businesses and tourism-related enterprises.
The marathon routes take participants past some of Srinagar’s most recognisable landmarks, including Dal Lake, Boulevard Road and Nishat Garden.
The full marathon, covering 42.195 kilometres, was scheduled to begin at 6.30 am, followed by the 21-kilometre half marathon at 7.45 am.
Beyond the kilometres covered, the event offers runners an opportunity to experience Kashmir’s landscapes and cultural heritage firsthand. Organisers hope to make the marathon an annual fixture, attracting more participants from India and abroad in the coming years.
The Tourism Department expects the total participation to cross 2,000.
A key feature of this year’s event is a separate prize category for runners from Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative aims to encourage local participation and provide regional athletes with greater opportunities to demonstrate their abilities alongside national and international competitors.
For aspiring runners, such platforms can offer exposure to competitive sport, help build confidence and encourage more young people to take up running.
The marathon also provided a platform for local entrepreneurs through the Marathon Expo, inaugurated by the Chief Minister. The expo featured 20 stalls displaying handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural produce and other locally made products.
By bringing together runners, visitors and local businesses, the initiative sought to connect sporting tourism with Kashmir’s traditional crafts and livelihoods.
For artisans and small businesses, events that attract visitors can create opportunities to showcase products and reach potential customers beyond their usual markets.
The marathon required extensive preparations, including road repairs, barricading and traffic management. Srinagar Traffic Police announced diversions to facilitate the event, while emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire tenders, were given priority. A traffic helpline, 103, was also made available.
As Kashmir continues to explore new ways to promote tourism, the international marathon represents an effort to bring sport, local enterprise and cultural heritage together.
With runners travelling from different parts of the world to participate, the event offers an opportunity to present another side of Kashmir — one defined by its landscapes, sporting spirit, local craftsmanship and the people who make the Valley unique.
