Runs with Athletes for 21 KM half marathon; Says had never run beyond 13 kms, Congratulates all Athletes for participating in event, Thanks Srinagar people for supporting event
Srinagar, Oct 20 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday said that he hopes Marathons become a regular feature in Kashmir so that J&K makes its way into the World marathons. He also congratulated all Athletes who participated in half and full marathons in Srinagar.
Omar flagged off the 2000 Athletes including 59 foreign Athletes from 13 foreign countries at 6:30 am from Poloview. This was for the first time that Kashmir hosted such a marathon. The marathon was divided into two parts: a 42 kms full marathon and a 21 kms half marathon.
Talking to reporters after the conclusion of the marathon, Omar said that he congratulates all Athletes who took part in both the marathons.
“I wasn’t expecting myself to complete the marathon today. I have never run more than 12 or 13 kms. When you see Athletes and people running around you, it really acts as a morale booster,” Omar said.
He said that the way people of Srinagar supported the runners is really encouraging. “I wish to see such marathons as a regular feature in Kashmir so that J&K makes its way into the world marathons,” the Chief Minister said.
Yesterday, Director Tourism Raja Yaqoob Farooq said that the national and international participants in the marathon will act as brand ambassadors and send a message across the globe that Kashmir was peaceful and there was no law-and-order issue. He said that the Tourism department was taking the Athletes to sight seeing and to the famous tourist destinations as well.
The foreign athletes including those from Denmark praised the beauty of Srinagar surroundings, people, hospitality and the running tracks. The athletes also hailed the Kashmiri cuisine and the arrangements put in place by Tourism department—(KNO)
