SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo inaugurated a three-day ‘Kashmir Marathon Expo’ at the Polo Ground, Srinagar on Thursday. The marathon is scheduled for October 20.
Organised by the Tourism Department, the expo will serve as a hub of activities and preparations for the marathon participants and showcase the region’s rich heritage.
Dulloo, accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Director Tourism Kashmir, and other officials, expressed optimism about the event, which has drawn over 2,000 runners from across India and abroad. He emphasised the significance of such events in promoting not only adventure tourism but also eco-tourism, leisure, and niche tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. He also expressed hope that the Kashmir Marathon would become an annual fixture in the tourism calendar.
“The Expo provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell their products, while also promoting niche crops and the region’s unique handicrafts and handloom creations,” Dulloo remarked. He highlighted the role of tourism in boosting trade and creating livelihood opportunities for the youth of the Union Territory.
Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, shared that the expo, organised alongside the marathon event, offers visitors an immersive experience of Kashmir’s diverse heritage. She noted that the event features exhibitions of traditional Kashmiri cuisine, culture, and handicrafts, providing a vibrant and enriching experience for attendees.
The organisers announced that participants can collect their race kits, including bib numbers and timing chips, during the expo from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, up to 19 October. The event serves as a prelude to the marathon, ensuring smooth preparations for the participants.
The upcoming marathon will feature both Full and Half Marathon events for men and women, with cash prizes. The top five finishers in the Full Marathon will receive significant rewards, including Rs 25,00,000 for the first place, followed by Rs 20,00,000 for the second, Rs 18,00,000 for the third, Rs 15,00,000 for the fourth, and Rs 12,00,000 for the fifth position.
Similarly, the Half Marathon winners will be awarded Rs 15,00,000 for the first place, Rs 12,00,000 for the second, Rs 9,00,000 for the third, Rs 6,00,000 for the fourth, and Rs 3,00,000 for the fifth place. This event is set to be a first-of-its-kind marathon in the region, with a major focus on rewarding excellence in both men’s and women’s categories.
