CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurates Jammu Marathon Expo | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the Jammu Marathon–2026 Expo at Dussehra Ground, Gandhi Nagar, marking the final phase of preparations for the maiden Jammu Marathon scheduled for March 29.

The Chief Minister formally opened the expo by cutting a ribbon and launched a signature campaign, following which he inspected stalls set up by government departments, private sports firms and event partners showcasing sports equipment, fitness gear and accessories.

The expo also features bib collection centres and on-the-spot registration facilities for participants. The Chief Minister also collected his own participation kit during the visit.

Several dignitaries, including Minister Javed Ahmad Rana, MLAs Vikram Randhawa and Tanvir Sadiq, senior officials and event organisers were present on the occasion.

Interacting with participants, athletes and stall owners, the Chief Minister said the government is focusing on promoting a healthy lifestyle alongside tourism development in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the maiden Jammu Marathon, along with 10 km and 5 km events, will be held on Sunday and has received encouraging participation, including more than 800 entrants from outside the Union Territory and around 2,800 registrations from within JK.

The Chief Minister noted that preparations for the event were launched last year with the unveiling of the marathon logo, medal, merchandise and official website, and said the response to the first edition has been encouraging.

He added that the event aims to promote fitness culture while showcasing Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for sports and tourism. Later, he flagged off a bike rally from the venue to promote the upcoming marathon.