SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today unveiled the official merchandise for the Kashmir Marathon 2025 at the Royal Springs Golf Course. The merchandise — including a specially designed cap, medal, and racing kit for participants — was showcased during a brief event attended by media representatives and officers from the Tourism Department.
Inviting people from all walks of life to join the upcoming marathon, the Chief Minister called on runners and fitness enthusiasts to “test their endurance and be part of the spirit of Kashmir” at the 2nd edition of the Kashmir Marathon, scheduled for November 2.
Speaking at the launch, Omar Abdullah noted that registrations for the event have been “very encouraging,” with a significant rise in the number of international participants, particularly in the full marathon category.
Highlighting the valley’s unmatched natural beauty and ideal weather conditions, he said, “Kashmir is the only destination in India that offers such scenic landscapes and cool temperatures, making it perfect for marathon running.”
Participants in the half marathon will run through Srinagar’s most iconic routes — including the Jhelum riverfront, Lal Chowk, Dalgate, and the Dal Lake shoreline — while full marathoners will continue further toward Hazratbal and Kashmir University.
He emphasized that runners will experience pleasant temperatures between 6–8°C, a rare advantage compared to other marathons held in warmer parts of the country. Expressing optimism about the event’s growing reputation, the Chief Minister said the Kashmir Marathon is rapidly emerging as a premier sporting event and is on its way to joining the ranks of established races like the Delhi Marathon.
Among those present on the occasion were Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob Farooq, MD JKTDC Shreya Singhal, Secretary Royal Springs Golf Course Haris Ahmed Handoo, Joint Director Tourism Waseem Raja, Additional Secretary Tourism Owais Mushtaq, and other senior officers.
