Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Oct 20 (JKNS): The Kashmir Marathon is gearing up for its third edition, scheduled to be held on October 25, with 1,807 runners, including 73 foreign participants, registering for the event aimed at promoting sports tourism and showcasing Kashmir as a destination for international sporting events.
According to the details available with news agency JKNS, 513 domestic runners and 1,221 local participants have signed up for the marathon. Of the total participants, 1,416 have opted for the 21-kilometre half marathon, while 391 will participate in the 42-kilometre full marathon.
The registrations include 1,614 male and 193 female participants, reflecting participation from different sections of society.
An official said that, the department intends to establish the Kashmir Marathon as a regular annual event and develop it into a recognised brand for the region.
“The Kashmir Marathon will be a brand of the Tourism Department and a regular feature every year,” official said.
He said the marathon’s inclusion in the calendar of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) would help establish the event as a consistent annual feature and strengthen Kashmir’s position as a destination for major sporting events.
He said a separate prize category had been introduced for Jammu and Kashmir domiciles to encourage local participation, promote fitness and provide local runners with greater opportunities to showcase their talent.
Official noted that international marathons often witness strong participation from African runners, particularly Kenyans, adding that the separate category was intended to bring local athletes into the spotlight and encourage more people to take up running.
However, he said travel advisories issued by some European countries and the United States, along with the prevailing situation in the Middle East, had affected the participation of foreign runners.
The marathon features two categories, a 42-kilometre full marathon and a 21-kilometre half marathon. The routes have been designed to showcase Kashmir’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with participants passing through scenic stretches featuring Dal Lake, Chinar trees and Mughal gardens.
The Tourism Department is looking to use the event to promote sports tourism, attract participants from across India and abroad, and strengthen Kashmir’s profile as a destination for major sporting competitions.
Regarding preparations, an official said an inter-departmental committee and a core group were coordinating arrangements under the monitoring of the Divisional Commissioner. Police, security forces and other administrative agencies were working together to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
“A dedicated team has also been assigned to assist runners with accommodation and logistics,” he added. (JKNS)
