Kenyan Runners Triumph as Kashmir Marathon Gains Global Recognition

Emmanuel Sikuku Ndiwa claimed the men's title with an impressive finishing time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds, while Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang captured the women's crown, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 38 minutes and 21 seconds.

Ndiwa, the men's champion, who was participating in Kashmir for the first time, expressed delight at competing in the Valley and lauded the flawless arrangements made for athletes. Describing the route along the iconic Dal Lake as one of the most beautiful marathon tracks he had ever experienced, the Kenyan athlete said the scenic surroundings made the race both memorable and unique. The winner of the full marathon will receive a cash award of ₹25 lakh.

The marathon also produced inspiring stories of courage and resilience. Among them was Siyom Kumar of Uttar Pradesh, who completed the 21-kilometre half marathon in an impressive 1 hour and 41 minutes despite physical challenges. His determination and grit drew admiration from fellow participants and spectators alike, becoming one of the most heartwarming moments of the day and underscoring the spirit of endurance that defines long-distance running.

Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the marathon from the Polo View area of the city, marking the start of the event's third edition. The race witnessed the participation of 1,807 runners, including 73 foreign athletes from 12 countries, highlighting the growing international appeal of the event. Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, the marathon has recorded a steady rise in registrations and participation since its inception, reflecting the emergence of a vibrant running culture in the scenic Valley.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the Kashmir Marathon is not merely a contest for medals but a celebration of courage, perseverance and the human spirit's determination to overcome challenges.

Addressing the prize distribution ceremony later in the day, Sinha congratulated all participants and medal winners, emphasising that every runner who crossed the finish line deserved recognition for their effort, dedication and endurance.

A total of 68 medals were awarded during the ceremony, including 34 each in the full marathon and half-marathon categories. However, the Lt. Governor stressed that the true essence of a marathon extends far beyond podium finishes. He praised those who did not win medals, saying their commitment and resolve were equally inspiring, particularly those who battled fatigue and pushed through the final kilometres after hours of effort.

Highlighting the importance of fitness and healthy living, Sinha expressed concern over increasing dependence on mobile screens and the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues. He urged people to make physical activity, whether running, walking or regular exercise, a part of their daily routine, noting that lasting success is built through consistency, patience and small efforts made every day.

Describing the Kashmir Marathon as a powerful platform for promoting fitness, tourism and the natural beauty of J&K, Sinha said the event continues to bring together athletes from across India and abroad. He also applauded the Tourism Department, organisers and partner agencies for successfully conducting the marathon and expressed confidence that the event would continue to expand in scale, popularity and international appeal in the years ahead.

“The third edition of the Kashmir Marathon once again brought together runners from diverse backgrounds, celebrating sporting excellence, endurance and the breathtaking beauty of the Valley,” a tourism official said.

Officials associated with the event said significant efforts had been made this year to elevate the marathon's global profile. The Tourism Department has secured membership of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and is working towards registering the Kashmir Marathon as a dedicated tourism brand. Authorities believe the race has the potential to become one of the world's most picturesque marathon events, with runners traversing routes that showcase Srinagar's breathtaking landscapes, including Dal Lake, Lal Chowk and Chashme Shahi.

Speaking about the event's significance, tourism officials emphasised that marathon participants serve as ambassadors for Kashmir, carrying back stories and experiences that strengthen the Valley's image as a peaceful and welcoming destination. They noted that the combination of natural beauty, hospitality and professional organisation gives Kashmir a competitive advantage in the global marathon circuit.

National Conference leader and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani said this year's marathon had attracted the highest number of entries since the event began, demonstrating a growing interest among runners from across the country and abroad. He revealed that the government plans to further upgrade the marathon and restructure its scheduling in future editions to avoid clashes with other major races in India. Wani also announced plans for a dedicated organising committee that will focus exclusively on expanding the marathon's scale, visibility and participation.

Calling the event a major boost for tourism, Wani observed that local enthusiasm for running has increased dramatically since the marathon was launched. He described the strong participation of local runners, particularly in the full marathon category, as an encouraging sign of the sport's growing popularity in J&K.

At the prize distribution ceremony, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reaffirmed the administration's commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards for the marathon. He said the event had evolved steadily over the years and had become an integral part of the Tourism Department's annual calendar. Stressing that quality would never be compromised, Dulloo expressed confidence that the marathon would continue to grow into a major international sporting spectacle, attracting participants from around the globe while allowing them to experience Kashmir's unparalleled natural beauty.

Tourism Secretary Anvy Lavasa echoed those sentiments, noting that the marathon had expanded in both scale and stature with every edition. She highlighted the increasing participation of national and international runners, including women athletes, and said the event offered a powerful platform to showcase Kashmir as a destination for sports tourism. Lavasa expressed optimism that future editions would move closer to achieving world-class status while continuing to celebrate athletic excellence and the Valley's scenic charm.

“With record participation, strong international representation and growing government backing, the Kashmir International Marathon is steadily establishing itself as one of India's premier long-distance running events,” a tourism official said. He added, “Beyond the competition, the race has evolved into a powerful showcase of Kashmir's beauty, hospitality and sporting potential, sending a message to the world that the Valley is ready to host events of international significance.”