Srinagar, Nov 2 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with Bollywood star Sunil Shetty, flagged off the second edition of the Kashmir Marathon 2025 in Srinagar on Sunday, celebrating the Valley’s growing reputation as a hub of sports, peace, and tourism.
According to news agency JKNS, the marathon commenced at 6 AM from Polo View, Srinagar, tracing a scenic route along Boulevard Road beside Dal Lake. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Kashmir, in association with the J&K Sports Council, the event featured several race categories — including the Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), and shorter community runs for amateur runners and locals.
This year’s marathon witnessed participation from over 1,500 runners, representing 27 states and Union Territories across India, as well as 77 foreign athletes from 11 countries, underlining Kashmir’s increasing global sporting appeal.
The Chief Minister was joined at the ceremony by senior civil and police officials, top bureaucrats, and Bollywood personalities, who encouraged the participants as they began their run through the heart of the city.
Minister Satish Sharma, as per JKNS, remarked, “This marathon spreads the message of peace, love, prosperity, and brotherhood. Around 1,200 participants, including nearly 100 from various countries, are part of this event. I extend my gratitude to actor Sunil Shetty, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and all who made it possible.”
The Kashmir Marathon 2.0 not only promotes fitness and endurance, but also seeks to project the Valley as a destination of harmony, adventure, and global sporting spirit. (JKNS)
