Amid fanfare, CM Omar flags off 2nd edition of Kashmir Marathon

Srinagar, Nov 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who participated in the second edition of Kashmir Marathon 2025 said even though he did not set any personal best record but made an improvement in his efforts as compared to last year. CM Abdullah who joined more than 1500 participants in the second edition of the Kashmir Marathon completed the half marathon along the Dal Lake in Srinagar.

“Just completed the Kashmir Half Marathon. I didn’t set a personal best but I did improve on my effort last year. Congratulations to all the runners who completed the full marathon & the half marathon. Well done,” Omar Abdullah wrote on X.

Omar Abdullah was among notable figures from Kashmir along with runners from 27 states across the country and 11 other nations who participated in marathon. The marathon was flagged off from Polo View and witnessed participation from top officials, athletes. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off 2nd Edition of Kashmir Marathon

The marathon was organised by the Department of Tourism, Kashmir, featuring multiple categories including the Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), and shorter runs for amateurs and local participants.

The Chief Minister was joined at the flag-off ceremony by Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, ACS Tourism Ashish Verma, Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob and other senior civil and police officers.

The dignitaries, along with enthusiastic locals, cheered the runners as they set off on their route through the heart of Srinagar.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also participated in the Half Marathon and successfully completed the 21-kilometre run in just over one hour and fifty minutes. During the first edition of the Kashmir Marathon held on October 20 last year, the Chief Minister had also flagged off and completed the half marathon event.

Meanwhile, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Satish Sharma said this marathon spreads the message of peace, love, prosperity, and brotherhood. “Participants, including runners from different countries, are part of this celebration of unity and endurance. I thank Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, actor Suniel Shetty, and everyone who contributed to making this event a success,” he said