Srinagar, Oct 18 (Representative) The stage is set for the first-ever Kashmir marathon, with around 2,000 runners, including international and national participants, set to compete on October 20, officials said on Friday. Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, this marathon is expected to be a landmark event for the region, attracting athletes from around the world. “We have 60 international runners, including participants from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, along with elite professionals from India,” Deputy Director of Tourism Publicity Kashmir, Deebah Khalid, told the media in Srinagar on Friday. The marathon will feature two categories: a full marathon covering 42 KM and a half marathon of 21 KM, with a combined prize pool of Rs 3 crore. The race will start from Polo View and continue along the iconic Boulevard and Foreshore Road, passing the stunning Dal Lake en route to Hazratbal. The event has drawn notable figures, including actor and producer Suniel Shetty, professional badminton player Saina Nehwal, and businessman Anil Ambani, who are expected to attend.” Our goal was to organize a marathon that stands alongside world-class events. We chose the autumn season, one of the most beautiful times in Kashmir, to allow participants to enjoy the pleasant weather and experience the valley in all its glory,” Deebah added.
To gear up for the marathon, the Tourism Department launched a three-day Expo at Polo View, where registered runners can collect their race kits, which include bib numbers and timing chips. The Expo, open to the public, will also showcase Kashmiri food, handicrafts, and cultural items, offering participants and visitors a chance to experience the region’s rich heritage. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who inaugurated the ‘Kashmir Marathon Expo’ on Thursday, expressed hope that this event would become an annual fixture. He noted that it reinforces the government’s commitment to promoting adventure tourism, eco-tourism, leisure, and niche tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. “This Expo provides a platform for our local entrepreneurs to display and sell their products, showcasing the talent and craftsmanship of the region,” Dulloo said. The marathon boasts substantial cash rewards for the top finishers. The first prize for the full marathon is Rs 25,00,000, followed by Rs 20,00,000 for second place, Rs 18,00,000 for third, Rs 15,00,000 for fourth, and Rs 12,00,000 for the fifth position. Similarly, in the half marathon, the first-place winner will receive Rs 15,00,000, with Rs 12,00,000 for second, Rs 9,00,000 for third, Rs 6,00,000 for fourth, and Rs 3,00,000 for fifth. To ensure the event runs smoothly, traffic police have issued an advisory, stating that traffic movement on various city routes will be suspended from 5 AM to 5 PM on the day of the marathon.