Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today flagged off the Jammu Marathon from Maulana Azad Stadium here and also completed the 21.1 km Half Marathon, leading from the front in promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
Braving rain, hundreds of participants, including Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, legislators, the Chief Secretary, fitness icon Milind Soman and actress Gul Panag, joined the run, turning the event into a vibrant celebration of resilience, unity and a strong message against drug abuse in the region.
Setting the tone for the day, the Chief Minister not only flagged off the marathon but also ran alongside participants, completing the Half Marathon and inspiring youth and citizens alike. He urged people from all walks of life to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, underscoring that physical fitness is integral to overall well-being and societal progress.
Highlighting the theme “Temples to Trails,” the Chief Minister said the marathon is a step towards positioning Jammu as a hub for fitness tourism and cultural exploration. He noted that the route, which passed through prominent markets, heritage sites and iconic landmarks of the city, showcased Jammu’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. The event featured three race categories: Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Fitness Run and 5 km Fun Run, and carries a total prize pool of ₹1.33 crore.
The inaugural edition witnessed participation of more than 4,000 runners, including over 1,000 from outside Jammu and Kashmir and over 90 international athletes. Despite inclement weather, the turnout remained enthusiastic, reflecting a growing culture of fitness and community participation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Participants from diverse backgrounds ran through rain-soaked streets, embodying determination and collective spirit. Actress Gul Panag praised the enthusiasm of both runners and organisers, highlighting the impressive turnout for the inaugural edition. She described the overwhelming support as a significant achievement, noting that large numbers participated despite the inclement weather, and extended her congratulations to all participants and supporters.
Fitness icon Milind Soman, expressing his delight at being part of the event, described it as a significant milestone for the region. He said the large-scale marathon marks a positive beginning and hoped that such initiatives would continue to encourage people to embrace running and active living.