The second edition of the Kashmir Marathon 2025 flagged off in Srinagar on Sunday morning, drawing enthusiastic participants from across the country and abroad. The event is being organised by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council for the second consecutive year.
The race began at 6 AM from Polo View, Srinagar. Over 1,500 athletes from 27 Indian states and 11 countries — including Germany, Denmark, the USA, Ethiopia, Kenya, Japan, and Sri Lanka — took part in the much-anticipated event.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alongside top police and senior J&K administration officials, along with several Bollywood celebrities, participated in the flag-off ceremony.
The previous day, Director of Tourism, Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob, said the Marathon reflects the unbreakable resolve of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Kashmir Marathon is the Valley’s largest sports event after the Pahalgam attack. Terrorism cannot break Kashmir’s resolve to move forward. Through this Marathon, we are sending a strong message of peace and positivity to the world,” he said.
The event featured 42 km (full marathon) and 21 km (half marathon) races, with a total prize pool of Rs 25 lakh for winners. The route features some of Kashmir's most iconic places — including the Mughal Gardens and scenic water bodies and is considered one of the most beautiful race tracks in the country.
Moreover, foreign athletes who took part in the marathon described it as one of the “most beautiful marathon routes in the world”.
The marathon, which attracted athletes from 11 foreign countries and 27 Indian states, has given Kashmir significant international visibility.
Officials view the event as a testament to the region’s increasing normalcy and a powerful statement that its spirit remains “unbreakable” in the face of adversity.
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