CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurates Jammu Marathon 2026 Expo; Aims to Blend Wellness with Tourism
JAMMU, March 26, 2026 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah officially opened the Jammu Marathon–2026 Expo today at the Dussehra Ground in Gandhi Nagar, marking the final countdown to the city’s inaugural half-marathon scheduled for March 29.
After cutting the ceremonial ribbon and launching a signature campaign, the Chief Minister visited various stalls featuring sports gear, fitness equipment, and interactive exhibitions.
Highlighting the government’s vision, the Chief Minister emphasized that the administration is actively working to integrate wellness and major sporting events into the region’s tourism packages, positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination for health-conscious travelers and athletes alike.
The expo serves as a central hub for participants, featuring dedicated bib collection centers and on-the-spot registration counters for the upcoming race categories, which include the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K runs.
Chief Minister Abdullah, who collected his own participation kit during the visit, noted the “highly encouraging” response to this maiden edition, revealing that nearly 3,600 runners have registered so far. Notably, over 800 participants are traveling from outside the Union Territory to compete in the “City of Temples,” a testament to the event’s growing national appeal.
The Chief Minister was joined by Minister Javed Ahmad Rana and other senior officials, all of whom underscored the role of the J&K Bank as the title sponsor in fostering a vibrant local sporting culture.
In his address to athletes and volunteers, the Chief Minister reiterated that the marathon is more than just a race; it is a platform to promote a healthy lifestyle while showcasing the natural beauty and hospitality of Jammu to a global audience.
The event’s journey began last December with the unveiling of the official logo and merchandise, and today’s expo signifies the culmination of those preparations.
To further ignite public excitement, the Chief Minister concluded his visit by flagging off a high-energy bike rally from the venue, inviting fitness enthusiasts of all ages and levels to join the movement toward a more active and vibrant Jammu and Kashmir.