Jammu, November 9, 2025 – In a vibrant display of fitness, unity, and national pride, over 6,000 participants, including six foreign nationals, laced up their running shoes for the inaugural Jammu BSF Marathon 2025 on Sunday. Organized by the Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu Frontier to commemorate the force’s 60th Raising Day, the event marked the first major public initiative by the BSF since Operation Sindoor, underscoring a renewed commitment to community engagement and healthy lifestyles.The marathon kicked off at the Shaheed Veer Dev Stadium in Paloura, Jammu, with BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary leading the flag-off ceremony amid cheers and waving national flags. Runners from across India and abroad, including several from Kenya, chanted patriotic slogans in praise of the country and the BSF, transforming the streets into a sea of tricolors. “This is for the first time that BSF is organizing a marathon in Jammu to promote physical fitness and a drug-free India,” an official stated, emphasizing how such events foster national pride and positive societal impact.The event featured four categories to suit participants of all levels: the grueling Full Marathon (42.195 km) starting at 5 AM, Half Marathon (21.097 km) at 6 AM, 10 km Run at 7 AM, and the inclusive 5 km “Run for Fun” at 8 AM, open to civilians, security personnel, students, and youth from border areas.
Over 1,600 young participants from vulnerable border regions joined, highlighting the BSF’s focus on empowering the next generation through Khelo India and Fit India initiatives. Cash prizes totaling Rs 2.75 lakh were up for grabs, with Rs 1.50 lakh for the full marathon winner, Rs 75,000 for the half, and Rs 50,000 for the 10 km category.Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty, a special guest, extended his support via a heartfelt video message, urging Indians to “run for fitness, unity, and the spirit of BSF.” He was joined by J&K para-archer Rakesh Kumar in the opening and closing ceremonies, adding star power to the proceedings. International runners, too, praised the event’s organization and Jammu’s serene atmosphere.
“I am excited because it is a good initiative by the BSF… it is my first visit to Jammu and the weather is good, the atmosphere peaceful and everything is okay,” shared one Kenyan participant.In tandem with the marathon, DG Chawdhary also flagged off a BSF motorcycle rally comprising 60 personnel, who embarked on a 2,000-km journey from Jammu to Bhuj, Gujarat, via Punjab and Rajasthan border areas. Culminating on November 19 ahead of the main Raising Day celebrations on November 21, the rally aims to spread messages of national integration, discipline, and anti-drug awareness, further amplifying the themes of unity and national pride.The Jammu BSF Marathon is set to become an annual fixture, with officials hailing the overwhelming response as a testament to the force’s role beyond borders—inspiring healthier, more united communities. As the sun set on the finish line, participants crossed not just distances, but milestones in collective well-being and patriotism.
