JAMMU, Oct 4: Around 750 runners participated in the fourth edition of the FICCI FLO Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh (JKL) Marathon held on Sunday, with organisers linking the event to the promotion of tourism, fitness and women’s empowerment.
Organised by FICCI FLO JKL in collaboration with the Tourism Department, Jammu, the marathon was held under the theme “Discover the Undiscovered” and showcased the Parmandal–Uttarbeni tourism circuit, a lesser-known destination in the Jammu region.
According to organisers, proceeds from the event will be used to establish a women’s skilling centre aimed at promoting skill development and livelihood opportunities.
The marathon featured four categories — a 3-km Fun Run, 5-km race, 10-km race and a 21.1-km half marathon — and attracted participants across different age groups.
The event was flagged off by Director Tourism Jammu Dr Vikas Gupta, Joint Director Tourism Jammu Aijaz Qaiser and JKAS officer Anissa Nabi. The closing ceremony was attended by Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav as chief guest.
Speaking at the event, FICCI FLO JKL chairperson Varsha Bansal said the marathon sought to combine fitness, tourism and social impact while drawing attention to the region’s lesser-explored destinations. She said the response, with around 750 registrations, had been encouraging.
Dr Vikas Gupta highlighted the tourism potential of the Parmandal–Uttarbeni route and said such initiatives could encourage visitors to explore emerging destinations in Jammu while promoting healthy lifestyles.
The event was coordinated by Kanupriya Garg, Sports Initiative Lead and Race Director for the marathon.
The event was attended by members of the FICCI FLO JKL executive committee, including past chairpersons and office-bearers, who supported the organisation of the marathon.
Organisers said the initiative was aimed at combining fitness, tourism promotion, wellness and social responsibility while generating support for women-focused skill development programmes.
