Defying persistent rain and a chilly morning, Jammu came alive on Sunday as thousands of runners poured onto the streets for the city’s maiden international marathon, transforming the day into a vibrant showcase of endurance and celebration.
The landmark event was flagged off at sunrise from the M A Stadium by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also joined the participants on the track, lending both symbolism and momentum to the occasion.
Designed to cater to all fitness levels, the marathon featured three categories—Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Fitness Run and 5 km Fun Run. A lucrative prize pool of Rs 1.33 crore attracted runners from across the country as well as overseas.
The inaugural edition witnessed a strong turnout of over 4,000 participants, including more than 1,000 runners from outside Jammu and Kashmir and over 90 international athletes, highlighting the event’s growing global footprint.
Blending fitness with festivity, the marathon witnessed the presence of fitness icon Milind Soman and his wife Ankita Konwar, who joined the Chief Minister in the 21-km run. Actress Gul Panag attended the flag-off ceremony, while live performances by singers Kamal Khan and Prateek Narula added a festive rhythm to the occasion.
Adding a personal touch, Abdullah’s sons, Zahir and Zamir, were also among the participants, alongside legislators, MLAs and senior administrative officials, making it a collective celebration of fitness, resilience and community spirit.
Later, addressing the felicitation ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the Jammu Marathon reflects the transformative journey of Jammu and Kashmir since 2019.
“Peace, prosperity and enabling conditions have made the UT a destination for world-class events. Its dream realised at last, as after seven decades, J&K claims its rightful place on the global stage,” he said.
Setting the tone for the day, the Chief Minister not only flagged off the marathon but also completed the Half Marathon alongside participants, inspiring youth and citizens alike. He urged people to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle, stressing that physical fitness is key to overall well-being and societal progress.
Highlighting the theme “Temples to Trails,” Abdullah said the marathon is a step towards positioning Jammu as a hub for fitness tourism and cultural exploration. He noted that the route—passing through key markets, heritage sites and iconic landmarks—showcased the city’s unique blend of spirituality, history and scenic beauty.
The marathon commenced 22 minutes before sunrise from Maulana Azad Stadium and was organised by the Department of Tourism, with J&K Bank as the title sponsor.
Praising the enthusiasm of both runners and organisers, Gul Panag termed the turnout for the inaugural edition remarkable, especially given the inclement weather, and congratulated all participants and supporters.
Milind Soman, expressing his delight at being part of the event, described it as a significant milestone for the region.