JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday flagged off the Jammu Marathon from Maulana Azad Stadium and led by example by completing the 21.1-km half marathon, promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
Braving rain, hundreds of participants, including Sports Minister Satish Sharma, legislators, senior officials, fitness icon Milind Soman and actress Gul Panag, joined the run, turning the event into a celebration of resilience, unity and a message against drug abuse.
Setting the tone for the event, Abdullah not only flagged off the marathon but also ran alongside participants, completing the half marathon and inspiring citizens, particularly the youth, to adopt an active lifestyle. He stressed that physical fitness is essential for overall well-being and societal progress.
Highlighting the theme “Temples to Trails,” the Chief Minister said the marathon aims to position Jammu as a hub for fitness tourism and cultural exploration. He noted that the route passed through prominent markets, heritage sites and key landmarks, showcasing the city’s blend of spirituality, history and scenic beauty.
The marathon began shortly before sunrise and was organised by the Tourism Department, with J&K Bank as the title sponsor. It featured three categories — Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Fitness Run and 5 km Fun Run — with a total prize pool of ₹1.33 crore.
More than 4,000 runners participated in the inaugural edition, including over 1,000 from outside Jammu and Kashmir and over 90 international athletes.
Despite inclement weather, the turnout remained high, reflecting a growing culture of fitness and community participation in the region. Participants from diverse backgrounds ran through rain-soaked streets, demonstrating determination and collective spirit.
Praising the event, Gul Panag highlighted the enthusiastic participation despite the weather, calling it a significant achievement for the inaugural edition. Milind Soman termed the marathon a milestone for the region and expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to inspire people to embrace active living.
