KATHUA: More than 600 runners participated in Kathua Run 2026 on Sunday, the district’s first multi-category running event, organised by the District Administration Kathua in collaboration with the TSP Team under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan.
The event featured 3-km, 5-km and 10-km races and drew participation from a wide cross-section of society, including children, youth, women, senior citizens, veterans and fitness enthusiasts.
Officials said the initiative was aimed at promoting fitness, healthy living and positive youth engagement through sports while reinforcing the objectives of the anti-drug campaign.
The 3-km run included categories for sub-junior boys and girls (under 10 years), junior boys and girls (10-14 years), youth (15 to under 18 years) and a fun run for men and women aged 18 years and above.
The 5-km race featured categories for participants under 14 years, 14-17 years, 18-39 years, masters (40-49 years), veterans (50-59 years) and senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
The 10-km run was organised for participants in the 18-30 years, masters (31-40 years), veterans (41-50 years), grand veterans (51-59 years) and senior citizen (60+ years) categories.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahima Madan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Vishav Partap Singh, Chief Planning Officer Ranjeet Thakur and officers from various departments participated in and supported the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Sharma said the run was organised to encourage people of all age groups to adopt healthier lifestyles and incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. He said community-based sporting events provide a constructive platform for youth and help promote physical as well as mental well-being.
SSP Mohita Sharma said the enthusiastic participation reflected increasing awareness about fitness and healthy living and added that such initiatives support the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign by encouraging young people to engage in positive activities.
The event concluded with participants carrying forward the message of fitness, sportsmanship and a drug-free lifestyle.
