Large field, big prizes and local category mark third Kashmir Marathon in Srinagar
Srinagar: The third edition of the Kashmir Marathon was flagged off in Srinagar on Sunday by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, drawing more than 1,800 athletes from around the country and overseas. The event, which aims to blend competitive athletics with promotion of the Valley’s scenic attractions, carried a total prize pool of ₹3.17 crore, organisers said.
Participants ran along a route that showcased some of Srinagar’s most recognisable locations, including stretches beside Dal Lake, Boulevard Road and the area around Nishat Garden. The course provided runners with a backdrop of the city’s lakes and gardens while necessitating coordination among traffic and municipal authorities to manage closures and public movement.
“The event aims to establish itself as a regular fixture on India’s sporting calendar,”
Organisers also announced a new component for this year: a separate prize category specifically for athletes from Jammu and Kashmir. The move is intended to foster local long-distance running talent and ensure regional participants can compete for distinct recognition alongside national and international entrants.
The top prize in the open category was set at ₹25 lakh, with the remainder of the advertised ₹3.17 crore allotted across other placements and categories, according to event officials. The marathon has rapidly grown in prominence since its inception, with organisers emphasising both sporting excellence and the opportunity to promote Kashmir as a venue for major sporting events.
- Flag-off by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; he did not participate as a runner this year.
- More than 1,800 athletes participated from India and abroad.
- Prize pool total: ₹3.17 crore; open-category winner: ₹25 lakh.
- New separate prize category introduced for Jammu and Kashmir runners.
- Route included Dal Lake, Boulevard Road and Nishat Garden.
Local administrators and police supported the event with logistical arrangements and traffic management. The marathon’s route cutting through popular tourist and public zones required coordination between the municipal corporation, police and event organisers to clear pathways and ensure participant safety while limiting inconvenience to residents and visitors.
Several sporting bodies and local running groups had been involved in preparations, registering athletes across different age groups and categories. While organisers described the marathon as positioning Kashmir on the national sporting map, they also highlighted the economic and soft-power benefits linked to increased visitor footfall and media attention during the event.
Community members and shopkeepers along the route reported a mixture of support and disruption. Some welcomed the influx of visitors and the visibility for local businesses, while others noted temporary access restrictions and advised authorities to ensure clearer communications on road closures for future editions.
Officials said the marathon’s expansion, including the separate J&K category, is part of a broader effort to encourage grassroots athletic development in the region. By creating opportunities for local athletes to earn dedicated prizes, organisers expect to increase sustained participation from Jammu and Kashmir and to help identify talent for longer-term coaching and competition pathways.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total prize pool | ₹3.17 crore |
| Open category winner | ₹25 lakh |
Though the Chief Minister has taken part in the first two editions, officials confirmed he did not run this year and instead performed the ceremonial flag-off. Event organisers underlined their desire to see the race become a recurring highlight on India’s athletics calendar and to use sport as a means of showcasing Kashmir’s landscape to a wider audience.
As the marathon concludes, attention will likely turn to post-event assessments of traffic management, athlete participation trends and the impact on local commerce, all of which will shape planning for subsequent editions. The separate prize category for Jammu and Kashmir runners is expected to be a focal point for local athletics clubs and coaching programmes in the months ahead.
