Flag-off amid grandeur and global participation
Top civil and police officials were present, and senior bureaucrats alongside several Bollywood celebrities cheered the runners at the start. The participation of such guests underscored the event’s ambition to place Kashmir on the global running map.
Race categories and lucrative prize pool
This edition of the marathon featured two primary distances: a full marathon of 42 km and a half marathon of 21 km. A total prize pool of ₹25 lakh has been announced for the winners.
The routes were designed to provide an unforgettable running experience through the scenic valley of Kashmir offering views of the shimmering Dal Lake, avenues lined with ancient Chinar trees and the scenic Zabarwan range.
Route highlights & tourism synergy
The official website and event-documents state that the course runs past iconic landmarks including the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountain range. Runners will navigate under Chinar trees, through Mughal gardens and past historic sites such as the Shankaracharya Temple and Pari Mahal in Srinagar.
At a preparatory meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarked that the marathon should be used as a platform not only for sport but also for promoting tourism, local hospitality and the region’s rich culture. Local hotels, restaurants and shops have been roped in to make the weekend a comprehensive experience for visiting athletes.
Community, eco-friendly & inclusive focus
The organisers have placed a strong emphasis on creating a community event beyond a pure athletic race. The event features a Marathon Expo, cultural evening showcasing Kashmiri art and music, school-level fun runs and engagement of NGOs and local volunteers as “eco-volunteers” tasked with route clean-up and sustainability efforts.
This convergence of sport, tourism and environmental awareness underlines the dual goal of the marathon: to foster fitness and position Kashmir as a destination for integrated experiences.
Message of resilience and unity
In his remarks ahead of the event, the Director Tourism of Kashmir emphasised that the marathon sends a strong message: despite past challenges, the region is moving forward with peace, positivity and vitality.
Foreign athletes, when asked about the route, described running by the lake and mountains as “magical” citing the warm local atmosphere and natural serenity as unlike any marathon they had previously seen. The beautiful backdrop, they felt, added to the challenge and the joy.
