First Marathon held in Jammu

Jammu/Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that Jammu Marathon is a symbol of the transformation that has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019.
He said, “Peace, prosperity and conducive conditions have made the UT of Jammu and Kashmir a suitable venue for world-class events. This long-awaited dream has come true and Jammu and Kashmir has earned its rightful place on the global stage after seven decades.”
The Lt. Governor was addressing the valedictory function of Jammu Marathon held at the MA Stadium in Jammu.
The first international half marathon in Jammu was organised by the Tourism Department of Jammu and Kashmir. It included 21 km, 10 km and 5 km races in which over 3,000 runners from the country and abroad participated.

Terming the Jammu Marathon as a historic milestone, the Lt. Governor said that Jammu has firmly emerged on the world map. He said that the success of this major event will boost tourism in the beautiful city of Jammu, which will benefit trade and business and usher in a new era of all-round development.
He said, “To me, marathon is the only event where runners do not worry about trophies, rankings or medals but they think about the next stage and this is the biggest lesson of marathon.
” The Lieutenant Governor added, “Jammu and Kashmir itself represents this principle. We have taken one step forward at a time since 2019 and created a new identity for this Union Territory. We have made it a hub of peace and prosperity, which is now capable of hosting international marathons, cricket tournaments and even international events,” he said.
When the central government conceived the Kashmir Marathon in December 2023, the aim was not just to organize a race but to introduce a new Jammu and Kashmir on the global sports map. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir is showcasing its immense tourism potential at the global level.
The Lieutenant Governor said that long-awaited dreams and aspirations are now becoming a reality.
He further said that through the Jammu Marathon, the participants have not only discovered new experiences within themselves but have also witnessed the positive changes coming to Jammu and Kashmir from a close distance.
The Lieutenant Governor said that it is only due to the strong determination of the people that Jammu and Kashmir is on the path of development.
He said, “A new determination is emerging in our sports field and I am happy that a new sports movement is also emerging in Jammu and Kashmir under the vision of ‘Fit India’.”
Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Satish Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dolu, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Toti and senior officers of the civil and police administration were present on the occasion.
A large number of eminent citizens, sportspersons and youth, including film actors Milind Soman and Gul Panag, attended the felicitation ceremony.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the Jammu Marathon from Maulana Azad Stadium here today and also completed the 21.1 km half marathon. Thus demonstrating practical leadership in promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
Despite the rain, hundreds of participants, including Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kodasteesh Sharma, MLAs, Chief Secretary, fitness icon Milind Soman and actress Gul Panag, took part in the run, which transformed the event into a rallying cry and a strong message against drug abuse in the region.
The Chief Minister not only flagged off the marathon at the beginning of the event but also participated in the run along with the participants, completed the half marathon and inspired all the citizens, including the youth. He urged people from all walks of life to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle as physical fitness is essential for overall well-being and social development.
He highlighted the theme of ‘Temples of Trails’ and said that this marathon is a step towards promoting Jammu as a fitness tourism and cultural hub. He said that the running route, which passes through prominent markets, historical sites and famous landmarks of the city, showcases the unique blend of spirituality, history and natural beauty of Jammu.
The marathon started 22 minutes before sunrise from Maulana Azad Stadium and was organised by the Department of Tourism with Jammu and Kashmir Bank as the title sponsor. The event consisted of three categories of races – Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Fitness Run and 5 km Fun Run and has a total prize money of Rs 1.33 crore. Over 4,000 runners participated in this first edition, including over 1,000 from outside Jammu and Kashmir and over 90 international athletes.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the enthusiasm of the participants remained intact, reflecting the growing fitness culture and community participation in Jammu and Kashmir. Participants from diverse backgrounds showed determination and community spirit by running even in the rain.
Actress Gul Panag praised the enthusiasm of the runners and the organizers and said that such a large participation in the inaugural edition, especially despite the inclement weather, is a great achievement.
Fitness icon Milind Soman expressed his happiness to be a part of the event, terming it a significant milestone for the region. He said that organizing a marathon on such a large scale is a positive start and hoped that such initiatives will continue to inspire people to run and adopt an active lifestyle.