Srinagar, October 22: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the Kashmir Marathon 2026 Expo at Polo View in Srinagar, urging runners from across India and abroad to participate in the third edition of the event scheduled for Sunday, October 25.
The three-day expo, which brings together government departments, sports equipment companies, event partners and volunteers, will serve as a hub for marathon participants to collect their race bibs, complete registration formalities and explore sports-related products ahead of the much-anticipated race.
Abdullah interacted with stall owners, athletes and volunteers during the inauguration and distributed race bibs and merchandise to several participants.
Addressing reporters after opening the expo, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the marathon would attract enthusiastic participation from across the country and overseas, highlighting Kashmir’s natural beauty and the event’s prize money as major attractions.
“Compared to all such races held across the country, in terms of beauty and surroundings, there is no match for the Kashmir Marathon. The prize money is also manifold higher compared to other races,” Abdullah said.
Separate prize category introduced for local runners
In a significant move aimed at encouraging homegrown sporting talent, Abdullah announced that a separate prize category had been introduced for local runners following demands from athletes in Jammu and Kashmir.
The provision covers both the full marathon and the half marathon, offering local participants an additional incentive to compete and helping strengthen the region’s long-distance running culture.
The Chief Minister said the initiative was intended to encourage greater participation in competitive running and promote sports and fitness across the Union Territory.
The introduction of a dedicated category for local athletes is expected to provide runners from Jammu and Kashmir with further motivation to participate alongside competitors from outside the region.
Spot registration open for October 25 event
With the marathon just days away, Abdullah urged athletes who had not yet registered to take advantage of the facilities available at the expo.
He confirmed that spot registration remained open, giving prospective participants an opportunity to complete the formalities at the venue ahead of race day.
Emphasising the spirit of mass participation, the Chief Minister encouraged runners to enjoy the experience rather than focus solely on the outcome.
“Winning is not as important as participating. Take part, and enjoy this marathon,” he said.
The event’s organisers are expecting runners from different parts of India and abroad, adding to the international profile of the Kashmir Marathon.
Omar Abdullah to flag off marathon, skip participation this year
Abdullah, who participated in the first two editions of the Kashmir Marathon, will not run in this year’s event. However, he confirmed that he would be present to flag off the third edition on October 25.
“Unfortunately, I will not be participating in this third marathon, but I will definitely come to flag it off,” he said.
His participation in the inaugural editions had underlined the administration’s efforts to promote running, fitness and sports tourism in Kashmir.
The marathon is also positioned as an opportunity to showcase Srinagar and the wider Kashmir Valley to visiting athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Expo brings sports stakeholders together
The exposition at Polo View will remain open over three days, providing participants with access to bib collection, registration services and sports equipment stalls before the main event.
The inauguration was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Tourism Avny Lavasa, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad, event organisers and other senior officials.
With the third edition set for October 25, the focus now shifts to race day, as Kashmir prepares to welcome runners for an event combining competitive athletics, public participation and the region’s distinctive natural setting.
