KATHUA: District Administration Kathua, in collaboration with TSP Team, today organised Kathua Run 2026 under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, marking the first-ever running event in the district featuring 3 km, 5 km and 10 km categories.
The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 600 participants registering for the run, besides a large number of fitness enthusiasts. The participation cut across age groups, with young children, girls, youth, adults, senior citizens and veterans joining the run with great enthusiasm.
The event sought to promote fitness, healthy living and constructive engagement of youth and the community through sports and physical activity, complementing the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan to encourage a healthy, active and drug-free lifestyle.
The 3-km run featured categories for Sub-Junior Boys & Girls (under 10 years), Junior Boys & Girls (10–14 years), Youth (15–under 18 years) and a Fun Run for Men & Women aged 18 years and above. The 5-km run included categories for participants under 14 years, 14–17 years, 18–39 years, Masters (40–49 years), Veterans (50–59 years) and Senior Citizens (60+ years). The 10-km run featured categories for 18–30 years, Masters (31–40 years), Veterans (41–50 years), Grand Veterans (51–59 years) and Senior Citizens (60+ years).
Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, SSP Mohita Sharma, ADC Mahima Madan, ACR Vishav Partap Singh, CPO Ranjeet Thakur, officers and officials from across line departments, besides citizens, young athletes, children and veterans, participated in the event and encouraged the runners.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that the Kathua Run was aimed at motivating people of all age groups to adopt healthy habits and make physical activity an integral part of their daily life. He said running is among the simplest and most effective ways to remain physically active, improve endurance and overall fitness, while also promoting mental well-being.
He said such community-based sporting activities also provide a positive avenue for channelising the energy of youth and spreading the message of a healthy, active and drug-free lifestyle. He called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to make regular exercise, sports and outdoor activities a part of their daily routine.
SSP Mohita Sharma appreciated the efforts of the District Administration and TSP Team in organising the event, saying that the enthusiastic participation of people from different age groups reflected growing awareness about fitness and healthy living. She said such initiatives strengthen the message of Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir by encouraging youth to stay engaged in positive and healthy pursuits.
The event provided a vibrant platform for young athletes, fitness enthusiasts, families and senior citizens to participate together and carried forward the message of fitness, sportsmanship and a drug-free lifestyle.
