1500 athletes take part in Valley marathon
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR Nov 2 : Kenyan runner Dennis Kipayano won the second edition of the Kashmir Marathon in Srinagar as more than 1,500 athletes from 27 Indian Sates and 11 countries came together in a vibrant display of endurance and unity after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty flagged off the event this morning.
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The Chief Minister who completed the half marathon, called the event “a reflection of Kashmir’s resilience and optimism.” Before flagging off the race, he said, “The spirit of Kashmir is stronger than fear. We are showing the world that the Valley is open, peaceful, and ready to welcome everyone – from athletes to artists.”
Later, he posted on X: “Just finished the Kashmir Half Marathon. Not a personal best, but an improvement over last year’s effort. Congratulations to all full and half marathon runners.”
The international event, organised by the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, in association with the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, was flagged off at dawn from the historic Polo View Market by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty. The marathon featured two categories – a 42 km full marathon and a 21 km half marathon – aimed at promoting Kashmir as a peaceful global sports destination and boosting tourism. The total prize purse stood at Rs 25 lakh.
The scenic route took runners along Dal Lake, past Mughal gardens and chinar-lined boulevards, extending up to the foot of the Zabarwan Range with a height gain of nearly 960 metres. Officials said the track combined flat stretches with moderate climbs, offering both challenge and beauty.
Bollywood star Suniel Shetty, who cheered participants throughout the event, said he was amazed by the energy and scale. “Seeing so many athletes here, including nearly 100 international runners, sends a clear message that Kashmir is back and ready for action,” he said. “It’s a beautiful, safe place with incredible spirit. People should come here for trade, tourism, and even filmmaking.”
Shetty, who arrived in Srinagar a day earlier, went for a shikara ride on Dal Lake and said, “This winter looks beautiful for the people of Kashmir.” On whether the event was a response to Pakistan, he said, “We do not have to answer anybody. We are united and progressing together. There is safety and security here – I have been roaming freely for two days.”
The runners were awe struck with the beauty of the place. “The route is like running through a postcard: lake, hills, silence, and applause,” a participant from Germany said.
A first-time runner from Bengaluru added, “When I started training, people asked, ‘Why Kashmir?’ Today I know why – it’s calm, alive, and feels like running in heaven.”
A local runner from Srinagar said, “When we run with athletes from other countries, we feel part of the world again. It’s not just about sports – it’s about being seen.”
“This is a celebration of peace and brotherhood. This marathon spreads the message of love, prosperity, and unity. I thank Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, actor Suniel Shetty, and everyone who contributed to making it a success,” said Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Satish Sharma.
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