photos by Abid Bhat

CM, celebs join 42 km full, 21 km half marathon with Rs 25 lakh prize

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Nov 02: The second edition of the Kashmir Marathon 2025, was flagged off from, Srinagar, on Sunday, drawing enthusiastic participation from athletes across India and abroad in a vibrant show of endurance and unity.

The race was started at 6 AM from Polo View, Srinagar while the marathon is being organised by the Department of Tourism Kashmir in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council.

As per the details collected by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the marathon saw participation from over 1,500 runners representing 27 states and 11 countries, including Germany, Denmark, USA, Ethiopia, Kenya, Japan and Sri Lanka among others.

Additionally, the Chief Minister took part in the flag-off ceremony alongside top civil and police officials, senior bureaucrats and several Bollywood celebrities, who joined participants and locals to cheer the runners as they began their course along the beautiful Boulevard Road.

Earlier on Saturday, Director Tourism, Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob said the marathon reflects the unbreakable spirit of Jammu and Kashmir. “This is the biggest event in the Valley after the Pahalgam incident. 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.

Notably, the marathon featured 42 km (Full Marathon) and 21 km (Half Marathon) categories, with a total prize pool of Rs 25 lakh for winners.

The route, circling Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Range, offered one of the most beautiful tracks in the country, leaving participants mesmerized by the Valley’s natural beauty.

Moreover, foreign athletes called it one of the “most beautiful marathon routes in the world.”

Thersia, an Olympic-level runner had yesterday, told KNO that running by the lake feels magical. The people are warm, the atmosphere peaceful and the energy truly inspiring—(KNO)