Kashmir Marathon: The Real Wealth of Life Lies in Good Health

By Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon

Mirza Qurban Ali Beig, who was a well-known Urdu poet in the 19th century, used the pen names Qurban and later Saalik. He appropriately conveyed the importance of good health in the famous couplet:

Even if poverty were not a problem, good health would still be one of the great blessings of life.

We have known since we were children these valuable words which stress the immense importance of good health. Our parents, grandparents and old aged relatives have always repeated the traditional saying that health is wealth, but in our younger years we generally didn’t grasp the real meaning of it. In childhood one is in a state of innocence and usually does not realise the value of things until one has gained experience. Nevertheless, as we grow up and face the realities of life, we start to come to appreciate the wisdom contained in these simple words.

The true significance of good health is even more apparent when we consider our older family members who have to cope with the physical difficulties which are common in old age. The lessons we learn from their experiences show that wealth, property and all the material advantages cease to be very attractive when the body can no longer make use of them. A sound body allows us to work, to think, to learn, to serve our families and to carry out our duties; but without it even the most basic tasks can become difficult. In fact, a healthy body is the best environment for a sound mind, and physical well-being should therefore be one of the greatest things for which we owe gratitude to Almighty Allah.

Our body is a trust, an amanah, which the Creator has given us. It is not simply a matter of personal preference to look after it, but rather a serious responsibility. Unfortunately, the lifestyles we now lead, together with excessive use of screens, unhealthy eating and an increasing unwillingness to take part in physical activity, are slowly causing us to move away from the habits that keep us healthy. We usually realise how important it is to maintain our health only when we fall ill and are forced to look again at what matters. At that point, it may already be too late, since we could have ignored the simple daily routines that would have enabled us to stay fitter and more active.

You don’t have to lift heavy weights, run long distances or spend hours in a gym in order to get physical exercise; it can start with simple and regular activities such as walking quickly, cycling, playing a sport, stretching, doing exercises suitable for your age or simply deciding to walk rather than staying seated for long periods. The key is not to put in extraordinary effort but rather to be consistent.

Doing physical activity every day helps to strengthen the muscles and bones, enhances cardiovascular fitness, aids in maintaining a healthy weight and assists in regulating both blood pressure and blood sugar. It may also have a positive effect on sleep, lessen stress and lead to improved emotional well-being. It gives a chance to get away from the pressures of everyday life, clear the mind and regain a feeling of balance. It is worthwhile to start on a small scale, so long as it turns into a sustainable habit.

Parents play a special role in influencing the physical and emotional development of their children, and the habits that children acquire during their childhood generally have an impact on their way of life for many years afterwards. When parents promote outdoor play, walking, cycling and taking part in sports from an early age, it is more likely that the children will come to have a positive attitude towards physical activity.

It is a sad thing that more and more children now spend a large part of their free time in front of mobile phones, tablets, computers and television screens. In a great many homes, children’s academic performance has come to be the only way of judging their progress. Motivated by real worries about their children’s futures, parents often fill their children’s timetable with schoolwork, tuition and coaching, leaving very little room for play, exercise or recreation.

It is certainly essential to have education, but it shouldn’t happen at the expense of a child’s general development. Children should be given the chance to run about, play, explore, interact with their peers and learn by means of experiences that go beyond what is in textbooks. Unstructured play and team sports can aid children in becoming more confident, improving their communication skills, learning to be patient, developing discipline, fostering cooperation and building resilience. They also offer valuable opportunities for children to learn how to cope with disappointment, respect the rules and work together towards common goals.

Children should have a well-balanced environment in which academic learning, recreation, family interaction and emotional support all complement each other.

Parents must therefore avoid the temptation to regard every free hour as time wasted. A child who is playing football in an open field is not necessarily wasting his or her time; the child might be gaining physical endurance, learning to think strategically, developing a sense of teamwork and learning how to meet challenges. The aim should be to foster in children healthy, and  confident  individuals rather than students who are occupied academically  but physically inactive

It is important to run awareness campaigns concerning drug abuse, but it is impossible for slogans alone to deal with a problem which requires continuous involvement from families, educational institutions and the community as a whole. Children need to learn about the harmful effects of substance abuse through sincere talks, education suitable for their age and by looking at positive examples. They should also be given the opportunity to access counselling and professional support if required.

It is impossible for a sports ground on its own to get rid of drug addiction, and being physically active does not mean that a person is automatically safeguarded against all social or psychological problems. Yet accessible sporting facilities, supportive relationships and meaningful recreational opportunities can serve as useful elements of a wider prevention strategy.

The responsibility is jointly undertaken by parents, teachers, educational institutions, community organisations and government departments; rather than just telling young people what they should avoid, we ought to assist them in finding worthwhile activities, healthy friendships and constructive ambitions which enrich their lives.

The special importance of the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon, which is set to take place on October 25, 2026, should be understood in this light. The event, which is being organised by the Department of Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, combines the values of fitness, endurance, tourism and the promotion of Kashmir’s natural and cultural heritage. It appears on the calendar of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).  foreign nationals from different countries had entered registrations for the event, indicating its increasing international appeal.

The event includes both full and half-marathon races, giving runners a chance to test their endurance beside the beautiful setting of the Valley. The course features famous landscapes and landmarks of Srinagar such as Dal Lake, the Zabarwan range and the historic Mughal gardens. This kind of event is more than just a sporting contest; it is an opportunity to show Kashmir as a destination that welcomes tourists via its scenic attractions, hospitality, cultural wealth and the increasing enthusiasm for sports.

The Kashmir Marathon also sends out a significant message to the local people. Since runners from other countries travel long distances just to take part in a sporting event in our valley, we should appreciate the value of the fitness culture they embody. Running involves preparation, patience, consistency and a respect for one’s physical limits; qualities which can be of benefit to people well beyond the racecourse.

There is no need for everybody to turn into a marathon runner; the true aim is to encourage ordinary people to take that first step on the way to a healthier life. Whether it’s an individual who starts by walking every day, a student who uses an hour that would otherwise be spent on unnecessary screen time to take part in outdoor activities, or a family that incorporates exercise into its everyday routine, all of these people are helping to achieve the same goal.

When the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon is taking place on October 25, we should appreciate and back this beneficial initiative. People who have registered and are properly prepared are free to take part, while those who haven’t can show their support for the runners and adopt a more active lifestyle themselves. It is also important to bear in mind that intense exercise calls for proper preparation, and anyone with any relevant health issues should obtain the necessary medical advice prior to engaging in demanding physical activity.

A healthy Kashmir cannot be achieved merely by the efforts of runners; it also needs parents who appreciate playing, teachers who promote participation, institutions which offer opportunities, and citizens who understand the value of exercising every day.

Let us go back to the advice given by Qurbaan Ali Saliq Beigh and remember that good health is a blessing the value of which cannot be expressed in monetary terms. Although we do not all have great wealth, we can still work at developing healthier habits, make better choices and urge the people nearby to do the same.

In fact, an individual who is healthier will have a healthier family, a healthier family will in turn make society healthier, and a healthier society forms the basis of a stronger nation Kashmir Zindabad.