Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Launches Official Merchandise and Campaign for Kashmir Marathon 2026
SRINAGAR, India — July 10, 2026 — In a major push to elevate sports tourism and secure a permanent spot on the country’s premier athletic circuit, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today officially unveiled the merchandise and promotional campaign for the upcoming Kashmir Marathon 2026. Organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department, the official launch took place during a brief ceremony at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar, attended by senior tourism officials and media representatives. The unveiled merchandise features a specially designed racing kit, a marathon cap, and the official finisher’s medal, alongside the premiere of the event’s promotional video.
The highly anticipated third edition of the Kashmir Marathon is scheduled to take place in Srinagar on October 25, 2026. Designed to showcase the region’s breathtaking landscape, the marathon route will guide participants through some of Srinagar’s most iconic landmarks. Half-marathon runners will race past the Jhelum riverfront, Lal Chowk, Dalgate, and the scenic Boulevard along Dal Lake, while full-marathon runners will extend their course toward Hazratbal and Kashmir University. Combining flat straightaways with demanding hilly stretches, the course offers an elevation gain of approximately 960 metres, promising a scenic yet highly challenging experience for both national and international athletes.
Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized that the marathon is part of a broader, strategic effort to diversify tourism in Jammu and Kashmir beyond traditional leisure travel, destination weddings, and corporate conferences. By highlighting activities like skiing, white-water rafting, and adventure sports, the government aims to establish the Kashmir Marathon and the Jammu Half Marathon alongside prestigious events like those in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ladakh. Furthermore, the Chief Minister noted that the international event sends a powerful, positive message to the world that the Valley is safe, peaceful, and deeply welcoming, inviting runners from all global corners to experience the region’s famed hospitality.