More than 2,000 runners from across India and 12 other countries took part in the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon in Srinagar on Sunday, with Kenya's Emmanuel Sikuku Ndiwa winning the men's full marathon in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds.
Srinagar hosted the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon on Sunday, with more than 2,000 runners taking part in the full and half marathon races through the city’s historic streets and along the Dal Lake.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the full marathon, covering 42.195 kilometres, at 6:30 a.m., followed by the half marathon of 21 kilometres at 7:45 a.m. The route passed through Lal Chowk, Polo View, Zero Bridge and the Jhelum riverfront before continuing along the boulevard around Dal Lake.
According to organisers, the event recorded 1,807 online registrations, including 1,221 runners from Jammu and Kashmir, 513 from other parts of India and 73 international athletes representing 12 countries. With additional spot registrations, total participation crossed 2,000.
The event is organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in association with the J&K Sports Council. Officials said the marathon has grown into one of the country’s prominent long-distance events, combining competitive sport with the Valley’s scenery and cultural heritage.
Kenya’s Emmanuel Sikuku Ndiwa won the men’s full marathon in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds. A total prize purse of Rs 3.17 crore was on offer, with the winners in the open category receiving Rs 25 lakh each. A total of 68 medals were awarded, 34 each in the full and half marathon categories.
A separate prize category for runners from Jammu and Kashmir was introduced this year to encourage local participation. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a Marathon Expo featuring 20 stalls showcasing traditional handicrafts, handloom products, agricultural produce and other locally made goods, giving local artisans a platform before visiting athletes and tourists.
Chief Minister Abdullah said the marathon was emerging as a flagship sporting event that strengthens Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a global sports tourism destination, boosts tourism and inspires a culture of fitness. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who addressed the award ceremony, congratulated the winners and said participants act as ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir, carrying back memories of its hospitality and natural beauty.
The marathon route, overlooked by the Zabarwan mountain range and lined with chinar trees, also passed the Mughal Gardens, Kashmir University and the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. Organisers said the event aims to promote athletic excellence and tourism while giving local runners a larger platform to compete against national and international athletes.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s remarks at a Baramulla party gathering on October 24 have sparked a row, with the BJP calling his comments “seditious and anti-national” and demanding legal action.
By: hammadkhaksar
Srinagar's new Chrysanthemum Garden, with 3.5 lakh flowering plants, is set to become Kashmir's flagship autumn tourism attraction.
By: hammadkhaksar
Hundreds of J&K MBBS and BDS interns resumed their strike on Tuesday, saying the promised stipend hike still lacks a formal government order.
By: hammadkhaksarStay updated with the latest news, breaking developments, and insightful coverage from Azad Kashmir and Pakistan.
Follow on Facebook
