Srinagar: The third edition of the Kashmir Marathon will be held on October 25, with 67 foreign nationals from 12 countries having registered for the event, officials said on Saturday.
The full marathon of 42.19 kilometres and the half marathon of 21.09 kilometres will be held on the same morning. A three-day marathon expo will also be organised at Polo Ground in Srinagar.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg reviewed preparations for the event at a meeting attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Tourism and officers from various departments.
Officials informed the meeting that 17 aid stations would be established along the route to provide assistance to participants. Garg directed departments to nominate nodal officers to coordinate arrangements and ensure the timely completion of assigned tasks.
The Roads and Buildings Department was asked to inspect the route and fill potholes, while the concerned authorities were directed to prune trees along the marathon loop and improve the route’s appearance through the placement of potted flowers.
Emphasising the need to maintain Srinagar’s surroundings, Garg directed the authorities to ensure cleanliness around Dal Lake and along the marathon route. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation was also asked to maintain sanitation at the route and the inaugural venue.
Medical camps with adequate staff and volunteers at designated locations were directed to be arranged to address emergencies during the event.
The Traffic Police was asked to publicise designated parking locations in advance and ensure smooth vehicular movement on marathon day.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited were directed to ensure the proper functioning of streetlights along the route, while the Sports Council was asked to make adequate lighting arrangements at Polo Ground.
The meeting was attended by representatives of departments and agencies responsible for tourism, health, police, traffic, roads, power, transport, sports, disaster response and civic services. Garg stressed that timely preparations and coordination among the departments would be essential for the event.
