Srinagar, October 26, 2025 – As autumn hues paint the Valley in gold, the second edition of the Kashmir Marathon is poised to draw fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers from across India and international shores. Scheduled for November 2, 2025, in the heart of Srinagar, this flagship event organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department promises an exhilarating blend of endurance challenges, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes, cementing Kashmir’s rise as a global hub for sports tourism.Building on the triumphant debut in 2024—which attracted thousands of participants, including runners from 12 foreign countries and garnered praise from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Bollywood icon Suniel Shetty—the 2025 marathon aims to surpass expectations. With registrations closing on October 20 via the official portal (kashmirmarathon.jk.gov.in), early sign-ups reflect surging interest, with fees set at an accessible ₹2,200 for the Full Marathon and similar rates for the Half Marathon. Participants must be 18+ and in good health, underscoring the event’s emphasis on safety and inclusivity.
Race Categories and Iconic Routes
The marathon features two primary categories designed to test runners against Kashmir’s diverse terrain while showcasing its timeless allure:
- Full Marathon (42 km): A grueling yet rewarding odyssey starting and ending at the iconic Dal Lake, weaving through the mist-shrouded Zabarwan Mountains, historic Mughal Gardens, and avenues lined with flaming Chinar trees. This route captures the essence of Kashmir’s natural poetry, from serene houseboat views to terraced orchards.
- Half Marathon (21 km): An accessible yet inspiring challenge, tracing a condensed path along Dal Lake’s shimmering waters and into the cultural heart of Srinagar, blending urban vibrancy with alpine serenity.
Both races embody the event’s theme of “Health, Healing, Hope, and Harmony,” promoting physical well-being amid rising lifestyle concerns like diabetes and stress in the region. Organizers have enhanced accessibility with tie-ups for accommodations, heritage tours, and local cuisine experiences, while Srinagar’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport—merely 13 km from the start line—facilitates seamless arrivals for global contenders.
High-Level Preparations and Community Buzz
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level review meeting on October 25, directing seamless coordination across departments for traffic management, medical support, security, and logistics. “This marathon is a golden opportunity to spotlight fitness, tourism, and our renowned hospitality,” Dulloo stated, urging advance travel advisories and route diversions to ensure commuter convenience. The event also aligns with the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiative, fostering national unity through sports.Adding glamour to the stakes, the 2025 edition boasts a staggering ₹3 crore prize pool, with top honors in the Full and Half Marathons drawing elite athletes. Last year’s victors—Sher Singh (men’s Full) and Tamsi Singh (women’s)—set benchmarks, and officials anticipate even fiercer competition, potentially boosting visitor numbers and local economies by highlighting Kashmir’s peaceful ambiance post-2024’s record turnout.As registrations wrap up, social media is abuzz with training tips, route previews, and stories of transformation, positioning the Kashmir Marathon as more than a race—it’s a celebration of revival, where every stride echoes the Valley’s resilient spirit.
