SRINAGAR — More than 1,800 runners, including 73 foreign athletes from 12 countries, have registered for the upcoming Kashmir Marathon, with the total number of participants expected to cross 2,000, Director Tourism Kashmir Sajad Qamar said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Marathon Expo, Qamar said preparations for the event were in their final stage, with arrangements being coordinated with various government departments.
“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,” he said.
Qamar said the expo, inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, featured 20 stalls. On-the-spot registration also began after 4 pm to accommodate runners who had missed the online registration process.
He said the Tourism Department was working closely with other government departments to ensure the smooth conduct of the marathon.
Highlighting the event’s significance for Kashmir’s tourism sector, Qamar said international sporting events could help attract visitors and strengthen the Valley’s 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,” he said.
Qamar added that the marathon was expected to benefit the local economy, particularly hotels, transport operators and other tourism-related service providers.
He said the government had decided to make the Kashmir Marathon an annual event to promote the Valley as an international tourist destination.
“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,” Qamar said.
Follow Us
The Kashmir Pulse is now on Google News. Subscribe our Telegram channel and Follow our WhatsApp channel for timely news updates!
