As 2000 attend Kashmir marathon, CM Omar says ‘strengthens J&K’s position as a global sports tourism destination’

Besides 1,221 local participants, officials said 513 runners were from different parts of the country and 73 foreign athletes, representing 12 countries

Published - October 26, 2026 01:15 am IST - Srinagar

Participants run in the third edition of the Kashmir International Marathon organised by the Department of Tourism in association with the J&K Sports Council, in Srinagar. | Photo Credit: ANI

In a bid to project Kashmir as a safe destination for sports tourism, Srinagar on Sunday (October 25, 2026) hosted a marathon attended by over 2000 participants from across the country and overseas.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the full marathon (42.195 km) at 6:30 a.m. and the half marathon (21 km) at 7:45 a.m. The participants started from the city centre, Lal Chowk, Polo View, Zero Bridge, the Jhelum riverfront and the picturesque boulevard around the Dal lake.

“The Kashmir marathon is emerging as a flagship sporting event, strengthening J&K’s position as a global sports tourism destination, boosting tourism and inspiring a culture of fitness and healthy living across the region,” said Mr. Abdullah.

Besides 1,221 local participants, officials said 513 runners were from different parts of the country and 73 foreign athletes, representing 12 countries. A total of 68 medals were awarded among the winners, comprising 34 medals each in the full marathon and half marathon categories. The third edition carries a total prize purse of ₹3.17 crore, with the winner in the open category receiving ₹25 lakh.

Two Kenyan runners, Emmanuel Sikuku Ndiwa and Lemensa Harpaa, won the men’s and women’s full marathon titles, respectively. Omolo, the Kenyan athlete who topped the race, praised the route along Dal Lake as “one of the most beautiful tracks”. Siyom Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, completed the 21-km half-marathon in one hour and 41 minutes.

Traversing through the city’s historic streets, picturesque waterfronts and celebrated gardens, the marathon offers a unique blend of competitive sport, cultural vibrancy and the Valley’s breathtaking landscape.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who addressed the award ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon, congratulated all the winners for their outstanding achievements. He highlighted the growing international stature of the event. “The Kashmir Marathon has earned recognition on the global running circuit and has helped position Srinagar among the cities hosting prestigious long-distance races,” said Mr. Sinha. He said the participants from across India and abroad act as ambassadors of J&K, carrying back memories of its hospitality and natural beauty.

The L-G also commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces for fostering a conducive atmosphere over the past six years, “paving the way for hosting such prestigious international-level events in the Union Territory”.

Published - October 26, 2026 01:15 am IST

Jammu and Kashmir / tourism / sport

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