Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday unveiled the official merchandise for the Kashmir Marathon 2026 and launched the promotional campaign for the event, saying the initiative would help establish Kashmir on India’s marathon calendar while promoting sports tourism in the Union Territory.
The official merchandise, comprising the marathon cap, finisher’s medal and racing kit for participants, was unveiled at a function held at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC), Srinagar. The Chief Minister also released the promotional video for the event.
According to an official statement, the initiative aims to promote sports tourism, encourage fitness and healthy lifestyles, and showcase Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for national and international sporting events.
Addressing the gathering, Abdullah said the marathon was more than a sporting event and formed part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said tourism in the Union Territory should not remain confined to destination weddings and conferences but should also highlight experiences such as skiing, the Gulmarg gondola, white-water rafting, angling and other adventure activities.
The Chief Minister said the government was working to establish the Kashmir Marathon among the country’s leading road races, on the lines of marathons held in Delhi, Mumbai, Ladakh and other parts of the country.
He said the event would also help project Kashmir as a safe and welcoming destination, encouraging participants from across the country and abroad to visit the Valley.
The meeting was informed that the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon will be held in Srinagar on October 25, 2026.
According to the organisers, the half marathon route will pass through the Jhelum riverfront, Lal Chowk, Dalgate and the Boulevard along Dal Lake, while the full marathon will continue towards Hazratbal and Kashmir University. The course has been designed with a mix of flat and hilly stretches and an overall elevation gain of around 960 metres.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish Chandra Verma, Secretary, Royal Springs Golf Course, Haris Ahmed Handoo, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta and other senior officers attended the function.
