Srinagar, Oct 22 (KNO): Seventy-three foreign athletes from 12 countries are set to participate in the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon on October 25, as Jammu and Kashmir seeks to strengthen its international profile as a sports tourism destination, with the Tourism Department expecting the total participation to cross 2,000.
Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad said 1,807 runners had registered online so far, with preparations for the event entering the final stage and on-the-spot registration opened for those who had missed the online registration deadline.
“So far, we have received around 1,807 online registrations, including 73 foreign athletes from 12 countries. We expect the total number of participants to cross 2,000 this year,” Sajjad told reporters on the sidelines of the Marathon Expo, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Highlighting the international significance of the event, he said the participation of athletes from different countries would help showcase Kashmir to a wider global audience and strengthen its image as a tourist destination.
“Such events send a message to the outside world that Kashmir is peaceful and safe for visitors. When athletes from different countries come here and participate, it creates a positive impression internationally,” Sajjad said.
The Director said the government had decided to make the Kashmir Marathon an annual event to ensure continuity and promote the Valley internationally through sporting activities. “These events should take place regularly. That is why the government has included the Kashmir Marathon in its annual calendar so that Kashmir can be promoted internationally,” Sajjad said.
He said the Marathon Expo, inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, featured 20 stalls, while on-the-spot registration began after 4 pm on Thursday to provide an opportunity to runners who had not registered online.
Sajjad said the Tourism Department is coordinating with different government departments to ensure the smooth conduct of the marathon, with preparations and logistical arrangements being finalised ahead of Sunday's event.
As already reported by KNO, 1,221 local participants and 513 domestic runners had registered for the event, while 73 foreign athletes were among the participants. Of the total registrations, 1,416 runners had opted for the 21-kilometre half marathon and 391 for the 42-kilometre full marathon. The registrations included 1,614 male and 193 female participants.
The marathon will feature two race categories—a 21-kilometre half marathon and a 42-kilometre full marathon—with routes designed to showcase Kashmir's natural beauty and cultural heritage, including stretches featuring Dal Lake, chinar trees and Mughal gardens—(KNO)