Srinagar, Oct 22: The third edition of the Kashmir Marathon has received international recognition, with the event featuring on the calendar of the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS), Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajjad said on Thursday.
Speaking about the preparations for the upcoming marathon, the Director said around 1,807 participants had registered so far, with the number expected to increase.
The marathon, introduced by the Jammu and Kashmir government in 2023, is being organised by the Department of Tourism to promote Kashmir as a destination for sports tourism while encouraging people to adopt running and other physical activities as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“This is the first time that an event from Jammu and Kashmir has received this international recognition through AIMS membership,” the Director said, adding that participants from around 12 countries were expected to take part.
The event will feature both the full marathon of 42 kilometres and the half marathon of 21 kilometres. The minimum age for participation is 18 years.
Highlighting a key change in this year’s edition, the Director said a separate category had been introduced for local domicile runners, who would also be eligible for prizes. The move, he said, was aimed at encouraging local athletes and increasing participation from within Jammu and Kashmir.
“In the previous two editions, there was no separate domicile category. We have introduced it this year to give a boost to local runners and athletes,” he said.
The department has also placed greater emphasis on promoting the marathon at the international level, with the aim of attracting not only runners but also tourists who could explore Kashmir’s natural beauty, culture and hospitality.
The Director said sports and tourism were closely linked, pointing to activities like water sports, rafting and polo as examples of sporting experiences that could attract visitors and strengthen the tourism sector.
“Once you give a fillip to the Kashmir Marathon at the international level, you invite people not only to participate but also to visit and enjoy the region,” he said.
As part of the build-up to the race, a three-day expo is being organised to showcase Kashmir’s culture, cuisine, handicrafts, agricultural products and tourism-related activities. Around 20 stalls have been set up, with participation from departments including handicrafts and agriculture, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC).
The expo also provides an opportunity for prospective participants to complete their registrations in person. The organisers have opened on-the-spot registration facilities for those who could not register online or faced difficulties completing the process.
Participants will be provided with radio-frequency identification (RFID) bibs to track their movement during the race. The system will also facilitate timing and the capture of photographs and video clips at designated points.
The Director said several government departments were involved in the arrangements, with the Department of Tourism serving as the nodal agency.
He described the marathon as an opportunity to showcase Jammu and Kashmir’s capacity to host events of international standards while promoting sports, fitness and tourism.
