In Pictures: Athletes from different nations run in Kashmir marathon

J-K CM Omar Abdullah flanked by Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty and Commissioner Secretary Yasha Mudgal as they flagged-off 'Kashmir Marathon' on Sunday. Photo: Mubashir Khan /GK

After showing green signal to the runners, the newly elected CM tried his chance at the sport too. Photo: Mubashir Khan/ GK

“I hope that one day it will be as famous as the world’s most renowned marathons. I want to see Jammu and Kashmir on the global map for such events,” Omar posted on his X-handle later.

Participants reached to the starting point at dawn today. Photo: Mubashir Khan/ GK

The event consisted of two categories of the races – a 42-km full marathon and a half-marathon of 21 kilometres. Photo: Mubashir Khan/ GK

"We welcome tourists from different parts of the world. If someone is running 42 kms, it itself makes a statement that Kashmir is peaceful at the moment,” Tourism Director Raja Yaqoob said on Saturday.

The participants included top long-distance runners from India, Asian gold medallists and some of the best runners from Europe and Africa.