SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the Kashmir Marathon-2025, a flagship event designed to promote sports, fitness, tourism, and the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani; Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary Tourism; Principal Secretary Finance; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Secretary IT, Information, and GAD; along with other senior officials. Director Tourism Kashmir presented a detailed report on the preparations and proposed activities for the marathon.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the marathon should go beyond a mere sporting event and evolve into a comprehensive cultural and tourism experience. He directed officials to collaborate with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses to offer special packages for participants and visitors, allowing them to explore Kashmir’s hospitality, cuisine, and heritage.
Omar Abdullah also proposed introducing 10 km and 5 km runs for local participants alongside the full and half marathons, aiming to increase community engagement and encourage youth participation. Highlighting the importance of sustainability, he urged efforts to secure a title sponsor to ensure financial viability and enhance brand visibility for the event.
Taking into account the Delhi Marathon and Diwali festivities, the Chief Minister instructed that Kashmir Marathon-2025 be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, instead of the previously proposed date of October 19.
Director Tourism Kashmir outlined the scale and structure of the event. The second edition will feature a Full Marathon (42.19 km), Half Marathon (21.09 km), and a 10 km Run, covering iconic Srinagar locations such as Poloview, Rajbagh, Lal Chowk, TRC, Nishat Garden, and SKICC, offering participants stunning autumn vistas of the Valley.
The event will be managed by a professional event management agency, responsible for logistics, branding, athlete facilities, and post-event operations. In addition, the marathon will include a Marathon Expo and a Gala Cultural Evening, engaging athletes, tourists, and locals while showcasing Kashmiri art, culture, and traditions.
Sustainability remains a key focus. The marathon will promote eco-friendly practices, involve youth through school-level activities and fun runs, and engage NGOs and local volunteers as “eco-volunteers” for route clean-ups and green initiatives.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched the promotional video of Kashmir Marathon-2025 and was presented with his participation certificate from last year’s edition, where he completed the half marathon.
Reiterating his government’s commitment, Omar Abdullah stated that the Kashmir Marathon will be positioned as a world-class sporting spectacle celebrating the Valley’s scenic beauty, promoting tourism, and fostering health, wellness, and community spirit.
