Srinagar was painted with colors of peace, pride, and unity as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty flagged off the Kashmir Marathon 2.0 on Sunday. The event, which commenced at 6 a.m. from Polo View in Srinagar, saw enthusiastic participation from approximately 1,500 runners, including amateurs, first-timers, and athletes representing 27 states and 11 countries.
The marathon route, stretching from Polo View to Dal Lake and towards the Zabarwan Range, showcased the valley's breathtaking scenery. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Tourism, Kashmir, and the J&K Sports Council, with the aim of promoting tourism, fitness, and the spirit of harmony in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Kashmir Marathon 2.0 featured a full marathon (42 km) and a half marathon (21 km), along with shorter runs for local participants and amateurs. A total prize pool of Rs 25 lakh was awarded to the winners. CM Omar Abdullah also participated in the Half Marathon and successfully completed it. He later posted on X, "Completed the Kashmir Half Marathon. I didn't set a personal best but I did improve on my effort last year. Congratulations to all the runners who completed the full marathon & the half marathon. Well done #KashmirMarathon".
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty expressed his joy at attending the event and pledged his continued support for such initiatives. "People are running for Kashmir and for India. It is beautiful to see the excitement among people of all ages. I am very happy to be here and will try to come every year to encourage more people to participate in the run,” Shetty stated. He also voiced his hope that Kashmir would host many more sporting and cultural events.
According to officials, the marathon drew participants from 27 states and 11 countries, including Germany, Denmark, USA, Ethiopia, Kenya, Japan, and Sri Lanka. J&K Minister Satish Sharma expressed gratitude, stating, "We are spreading the message of peace, love, prosperity, and brotherhood. Around 1,200 participants, including nearly 100 from different countries, are part of this marathon. I thank actor Sunil Shetty, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and everyone for their support".
Many runners expressed their awe at the experience of running in Kashmir. An athlete from Bengaluru, who ran her first full marathon, said, "When I started training, people asked, 'Why Kashmir?' Today I know why. It's calm, it's alive, it's safe, and it feels like running in heaven". Another runner noted, “When we run with athletes from other countries, we feel part of the world again. It's not just about sports it is about being seen".
The second edition of the Kashmir Marathon not only promoted sports and tourism but also showcased Kashmir's resilience and its emergence as a global destination. The event concluded with cheers, music, and echoes of celebration across the Boulevard, leaving a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.
