SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the Tourism Department and other agencies to intensify national and international promotion of the Kashmir Marathon to attract more runners from across India and abroad and position the event as a major global sporting attraction.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review preparations for the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon on October 25, Omar called for wider publicity through leading running and fitness influencers and suggested inviting prominent runners and influencers to Kashmir ahead of the event.
The Chief Minister also directed the organisers to use the marathon’s Rs 3.17 crore prize purse to attract competitive runners from outside Jammu and Kashmir. The Full Marathon carries Rs 2.11 crore in prize money, while the Half Marathon has a purse of Rs 1.06 crore. An additional Rs 25 lakh prize component has been introduced for the J&K Local Category.
More than 1,400 participants have already registered for the event from J&K, other parts of India and international destinations, according to the administration. The marathon is recognised on the international calendar of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
To broaden participation, Omar proposed an untimed 5K Fun Run for families, young people and amateur runners. He also suggested introducing virtual participation in the next edition to allow runners from across India and other countries to join the event remotely.
Reviewing race arrangements, the Chief Minister directed the concerned agencies to ensure international-standard route management and clear distance markers along the Full and Half Marathon courses. He called for kilometre-wise markers and 100-metre markers during the final kilometre.
Omar also directed departments to coordinate arrangements for traffic management, route safety, medical support, public conveniences, power, water supply and other logistical requirements.
A three-day Marathon Expo will be held from October 22 to 24 at the Sports Council Ground, Poloview. Besides bib distribution and fitness-related activities, the expo will showcase J&K’s handicrafts, handlooms, horticulture and cultural heritage.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and senior officers from the Tourism, Power Development, Public Works, administration, police, information, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments and organisations.
Online registration for the Kashmir Marathon 2026 is open through the official marathon portal.
