Kashmir Marathon Rescheduled to November 2 on CM’s Instructions

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday instructed that the Kashmir Marathon-2025 be held on November 2 (Sunday), instead of the earlier proposed October 19, to avoid overlap with the Delhi Marathon and Diwali celebrations.

The announcement came during a review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to assess preparations for the second edition of the marathon. Senior officials, including Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, senior tourism, finance, and administration officers, were present.

During the meeting, Director Tourism Kashmir made a detailed presentation on the event structure and activities. The marathon is expected to feature a full marathon (42.19 km), half marathon (21.09 km), and a 10 km run, with routes passing through key landmarks of Srinagar such as Poloview, Rajbagh, Lal Chowk, TRC, Nishat Garden, and SKICC.

Omar Abdullah emphasised that the marathon should serve not only as a sporting event but also as a cultural and tourism showcase. He directed officials to collaborate with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses to offer special packages for visitors, thereby boosting hospitality and promoting Kashmiri cuisine and heritage.

The Chief Minister also suggested adding 10 km and 5 km runs for local participants to encourage wider community involvement and youth participation. He stressed the importance of sustainability and called for a title sponsor to ensure financial viability and enhance brand visibility.

The event will also include a Marathon Expo and Gala Cultural Evening to engage athletes, tourists, and residents while highlighting Kashmiri art and traditions. Eco-friendly practices will be promoted, with NGOs and volunteers designated as “eco-volunteers” for clean-up initiatives.

On the occasion, Omar Abdullah launched the promotional video for the marathon and received his participation certificate for completing last year’s half marathon. Reiterating his government’s commitment, he said the Kashmir Marathon would be positioned as a world-class sporting spectacle that celebrates the Valley’s beauty, promotes tourism, and fosters health and community spirit.