Braving relentless rain and a damp morning chill, Jammu burst into motion on Sunday as thousands of runners hit the streets for the city’s first-ever international marathon — turning grit, glamour and sporting spirit into a landmark celebration.
Flagged off at sunrise from the M A Stadium by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also laced up to join the runners, the event marked a historic first for the region.
The marathon featured three categories — Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Fitness Run, and 5 km Fun Run — with a substantial prize pool of Rs 1.33 crore drawing participants from across India and beyond.
The inaugural edition saw an impressive turnout of over 4,000 runners, including more than 1,000 participants from outside Jammu and Kashmir and over 90 international athletes, underlining the event’s global appeal.
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, Omar’s sons, Zahir and Zamir, were also among the participants, alongside legislators, MLAs and senior administrative officials who joined the run, making it a collective celebration of fitness, resilience and community spirit.
Later speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said that the Jammu Marathon symbolizes the profound transformation Jammu Kashmir has embraced 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,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
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.
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.