Jammu, March 29, 2026 : Defying relentless rain, thousands of spirited runners turned out for the first-ever Jammu International Marathon, marking a historic milestone for the region’s sporting and tourism landscape. The event was flagged off by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also joined participants in the challenging 21-km run.
Starting at sunrise from MA Stadium, the marathon featured three categories—Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Fitness Run, and 5 km Fun Run—with a total prize pool of ₹1.33 crore, attracting elite and amateur runners alike.
Massive Participation Despite Rain
The inaugural edition witnessed an impressive turnout of over 4,000 runners, including:
- 1,000+ participants from outside J&K
- 90+ international athletes
- Local youth, officials, and public representatives
Even the Chief Minister’s sons joined the race, adding to the event’s inclusive and energetic spirit.
Celebrities & Festive Vibes
The marathon blended fitness with entertainment, featuring participation from fitness icon Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar, while actress Gul Panag attended the flag-off ceremony. Musical performances by Kamal Khan and Prateek Narula added a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.
‘Historic Day’ For Jammu
Joint Director Tourism Aijaz Qaiser termed the event a “historic day,” noting that the overwhelming participation despite adverse weather reflects a growing fitness culture in Jammu.
He highlighted that the marathon route, though challenging with a 450–500 metre elevation, was well-prepared and designed to test endurance—making it one of the toughest city marathons.
Boost To Tourism & Economy
Officials emphasized the marathon’s strong tourism potential, stating that even short stays by participants significantly boost the local economy. Designed as an annual global event, the marathon aims to:
- Showcase Jammu’s culture and scenic routes
- Attract international runners
- Strengthen fitness tourism
Global Praise & Spirit
International runners, including athletes from Kenya, praised the event’s organization and spirit. Participants described running in the rain as an exciting challenge and lauded Jammu’s hospitality and favorable running conditions.
With its grand debut, the Jammu International Marathon has firmly positioned itself as a flagship sporting event, blending endurance, tourism, and global participation—signaling a new era for Jammu on the international running map.
