Srinagar, November 3: The second edition of the Kashmir Marathon 2025 witnessed an overwhelming response in Srinagar on Sunday, with around 1,500 athletes from across India and several foreign countries participating in the 42-kilometre Full Marathon and 21-kilometre Half Marathon events.
While international runners dominated the top positions in both categories, Kashmir’s own Muzamil Hussain Mir made the Union Territory proud by finishing as J&K’s top performer in the 42-km Full Marathon.
Muzamil, a resident of Srinagar, clocked an impressive 03:02:50 hours, finishing 24th overall in the Full Marathon and 17th among male participants. In his age category, he secured 8th position, a remarkable achievement considering the limited training infrastructure available for endurance sports in the region.
Interestingly, one more J&K athlete had finished slightly ahead of Muzamil, but his record was not officially considered due to a technical issues.
Muzamil Hussain Mir is not just a long-distance runner — he is also a certified mountaineer and a medalist at the World Snowshoe Championships held in Japan, where he won a bronze medal representing India. His versatility and dedication to outdoor endurance sports have earned him admiration from across the sporting fraternity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Veteran athlete Gulzar Khan, who has been mentoring several long-distance runners in the Valley, praised Muzamil’s determination and performance.
“It’s one of the best marathon performances ever from a Kashmiri athlete. I had suggested he go for the 21-km category, but he was determined to take on the 42-km challenge — the toughest of them all. He has proven his strength and set a new benchmark for local runners,” said Khan.
President of the J&K SnowShoe Association, Tariq Ghani, also lauded Muzamil’s effort, calling it a proud moment for the entire sporting community.
“Muzamil has made us all proud. His performance shows that Kashmir’s athletes are not far behind when given the opportunity. As an international snowshoe athlete and now a top marathon finisher, he’s a true inspiration. He will soon represent India again at the global level,” Ghani stated.
Senior Vice President of the association, Naseem Chaya, also congratulated Muzamil for his consistency and perseverance.
The Kashmir Marathon, organized by Tourism Department Kashmir has quickly become one of the most prestigious endurance events in the region. The scenic course covered iconic landmarks such as Dal Lake, Boulevard Road, and the Nishat Garden stretch, offering runners a unique experience of Kashmir’s breathtaking landscape.
The event also drew public attention due to the participation of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who joined the 21-km run to promote fitness and youth engagement in sports. His participation was widely appreciated on social media, where he praised the event’s organization and the enthusiasm of Kashmiri youth for athletics.
“Fantastic to see so many runners from across India and beyond participate in the Kashmir Marathon. Events like these highlight our state’s beauty and the spirit of its people,” Abdullah posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The marathon concluded with a felicitation ceremony for winners across categories, celebrating both elite and amateur runners who braved the chilly morning to showcase their endurance and passion.
The Kashmir Marathon has emerged as a platform for local athletes to test themselves against national and international competition. Despite the challenges of training in high-altitude conditions and limited sports infrastructure, the consistent participation and success of athletes like Muzamil Hussain Mir reflect a growing running culture in the Valley.
As sports enthusiasts and local associations continue to support endurance sports, the Kashmir Marathon is fast evolving into a signature event on India’s athletics calendar — combining tourism, fitness, and community spirit in one vibrant celebration.