SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated a three-day exposition for the Kashmir Marathon 2026 at Polo View, Srinagar, urging people to participate in the third edition of the event scheduled for October 25 and describing participation as more important than winning.
The exposition, which marks the final phase of preparations for Sunday’s marathon, features stalls set up by government departments, private sports firms and event partners, displaying sports gear, equipment and accessories aimed at promoting fitness and outdoor activities. Dedicated counters have also been established for race bib collection and on-the-spot registration.
Abdullah expressed confidence that the marathon would attract runners from across India and abroad, saying Kashmir’s natural surroundings offered a distinctive setting for the event. He also highlighted the prize money on offer, which he said was significantly higher than that of many other races.
The chief minister said a separate prize category had been introduced for local runners in both the full and half marathons in response to their demands. The move, he said, was intended to encourage greater participation by local athletes.
Recalling his participation in the first two editions of the Kashmir Marathon, Abdullah expressed hope that this year’s event would draw enthusiastic participation from runners and sports enthusiasts.
He urged those who had not registered to use the facilities available at the exposition, adding that the event offered an opportunity to enjoy running and take part in a major sporting occasion irrespective of the final result.
The chief minister also interacted with stall owners, athletes and volunteers, acknowledging their efforts in promoting sports, fitness and outdoor activities in Jammu and Kashmir. He presented race bibs and merchandise to several runners participating in Sunday’s event.
The three-day exposition provides participants an opportunity to complete registration formalities, collect their bibs and explore sports equipment and related products ahead of the marathon.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Tourism Avny Lavasa, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad, event organisers and other senior officers attended the inauguration.
