SRINAGAR: More than 1,800 runners, including 73 foreign athletes from 12 countries, have registered for the Kashmir Marathon scheduled for October 25, with the total number of participants expected to cross 2,000, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the marathon expo at Polo View, Sajjad said 1,807 online registrations had been received so far and on-the-spot registration had begun after 4 pm to accommodate runners who had missed the online registration window.
He said preparations for the third edition of the marathon were in their final stages, with the Tourism Department coordinating with various government departments to ensure the event was conducted smoothly.
The expo, inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday, features 20 stalls showcasing sports-related products and services.
Sajjad said the marathon was expected to support tourism by attracting visitors and providing international exposure to Kashmir. He said the participation of athletes from different countries could help project the Valley as a destination for sporting events and tourism.
He added that the event would also generate business for hotels, transport operators and other tourism-linked service providers.
Sajjad said the government had included the Kashmir Marathon in its annual calendar to ensure its regular organisation and promote the Valley as an international tourist destination.
