Jammu I March 16, 2025- On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the Additional Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police , Anand Jain, flagged off the highly anticipated “Run for Fun – Jammu Marathon-2025” from Gulshan Ground in Jammu. Organised under the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Civic Action Programme , the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 3,000 individuals across various age groups and walks of life, showcasing a vibrant celebration of fitness, unity, and community spirit.
The marathon, held amidst pleasant weather conditions following recent rainfall in the region, featured multiple categories tailored to participants of all abilities. These included the 21 KM Half Marathon for men, a 10 KM Road Race for women above 18 years, and various races for youth, veterans, and sub-juniors, ensuring inclusivity. The event kicked off at 6:45 AM with senior police officers joining ADGP Anand Jain to flag off the different categories, one after the other, from the scenic Gulshan Ground.
Speaking at the occasion, ADGP Anand Jain emphasized the marathon’s broader message. “Jammu and Kashmir Police has organized the Jammu Marathon, and around 3,000 people have participated in it. The marathon aims to spread the message that youth should stay away from drugs and spend their time on education and fitness,” he said. He underscored the police force’s commitment to fostering wellness and discouraging substance abuse, aligning the event with its ongoing efforts to engage the community positively.
The marathon route wound through key areas of Jammu, offering participants a chance to enjoy the city’s landscape while promoting a healthy lifestyle. After the races concluded, a prize distribution ceremony was held at Gulshan Ground, where winners across categories were felicitated. The event also featured a raffle draw of chest numbers, with cash prizes awarded to the top three lucky participants, adding an element of excitement to the day.
The Jammu Marathon-2025 builds on the success of previous editions, reflecting the growing popularity of such initiatives by the J&K Police. Preparations for the event had been underway for weeks, with a planning meeting chaired by ADGP Jain on March 8 at the Armed Police Headquarters (APHQ) in Jammu. Registration counters—six in Jammu and two in Srinagar—facilitated participant sign-ups, ensuring broad accessibility.
The event drew a diverse crowd, including youth, fitness enthusiasts, local residents, and schoolchildren, all united in the spirit of camaraderie and health. Participants praised the smooth organization and the opportunity to engage in a meaningful community activity. “It’s amazing to see so many people come together for this. The message about staying fit and saying no to drugs really resonates,” said Ravi Kumar, a 10 KM race participant.
Jammu and Kashmir’s administration and police have increasingly leveraged such events to strengthen public-police relations and promote peace and prosperity in the region. With tourism booming—over 2.35 crore visitors in 2024—the marathon also served as a platform to showcase Jammu’s vibrancy to a wider audience.
As the runners crossed the finish line and the crowd cheered, the “Run for Fun – Jammu Marathon-2025” stood out as a testament to the region’s commitment to progress, health, and unity, leaving participants and organisers alike optimistic for future editions.