Ramban: The sixth edition of the Patnitop Marathon concluded successfully with participation from over 800 runners representing more than 30 cities and 15 states, further cementing its status as Jammu and Kashmir’s largest multi-category hill race.
The event was organised by IKA Sports & Events Pvt Ltd in collaboration with Patnitop Development Authority, the Tourism Department, and the district administrations of Udhampur and Ramban.
Promoted by Ironman athlete and endurance sports entrepreneur Kapil Arora, the marathon brought together elite athletes, amateur runners, fitness enthusiasts, armed forces personnel, tourists and local participants amid the Himalayan landscape of Patnitop.
Organised in support of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, the event promoted healthy living, fitness and a drug-free lifestyle while showcasing one of India’s most scenic mountain race routes.
The event was attended by Mohammad Alyas Khan, Virender Kumar Manyal, Ranjeet Singh, Pankaj Sasan, Mohd Arif Lone and Sukhvir Singh, besides senior officers from the Health, Police, Traffic and Fire & Emergency departments.
The marathon featured four race categories—50-km Ultra Marathon, 21.1-km Half Marathon, 10-km Race and 5-km Race. Participants also competed across five age groups: 18-35 years, 35-45 years, 45-55 years, 55-65 years and 65 years and above.
A major highlight was the 50-km Ultra Marathon, regarded as one of India’s most demanding road ultra-marathons. The route began near the Youth Hostel at Patnitop and traversed Kud, Nathatop and Sanasar Lake before returning to Patnitop, offering runners a challenging endurance test amid panoramic Himalayan scenery.
The races commenced early in the morning, with the ultra-marathon flagged off at 4:30 a.m., followed by the half marathon, 10-km and 5-km races at scheduled intervals.
The event generated significant tourism activity, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, transport operators and small businesses. Organisers said partnerships with ten running clubs from across India helped expand the marathon’s national reach and attract participants from different parts of the country.
Prominent running communities, including Jammu-based MOBE Club and C9 Club, also played a key role in promoting and participating in the event.
The competition witnessed strong performances across all categories as runners tackled steep elevation profiles, mountain weather conditions and demanding terrain. Winners and podium finishers were honoured during a prize distribution ceremony, while top performers across all age groups were also felicitated.
Tourism officials said destination sporting events such as the Patnitop Marathon are playing a crucial role in promoting wellness tourism, adventure tourism and endurance sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
“With over 800 participants from more than 30 cities and 15 states, the Patnitop Marathon has evolved into the biggest multi-category hill race in Jammu and Kashmir. The event not only promotes fitness and healthy living but also showcases the immense tourism potential of Patnitop and the wider Jammu region,” officials said.
The marathon also featured awareness activities under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign, encouraging youth and communities to adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from substance abuse.
Kapil Arora thanked the Patnitop Development Authority, Tourism Department, district administrations, sponsors, volunteers, local communities and participants for contributing to the success of the event.
The sixth edition concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, further reinforcing the Patnitop Marathon’s reputation as one of India’s premier mountain races and a flagship sporting event on Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism calendar.
