The second edition of the Kashmir Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Srinagar, drawing athletes from across India and abroad.
The scenic valley of Kashmir is gearing up for an athletic spectacle. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, the second edition of the Kashmir Marathon will take place in the city of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. With runners expected from across India and abroad, the event marks not just a sporting contest but also a celebration of the region’s beauty, resilience and growing appeal as a destination for high-profile sporting occasions.
Organised by the local Tourism Department in collaboration with sports firms and the administration, the event combines full-length and half-length marathon categories, a fun run and youth dash — all set against the autumnal backdrop of Chinar trees, lakeside vistas and Mughal-era gardens. It’s a chance for athletes to test their endurance and for the region to showcase its readiness for sport, tourism and revival.
What’s On: Event Details & Race Categories
Date & Location
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When: Sunday, November 2, 2025.
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Where: Srinagar, in the Kashmir Valley.
Race Categories
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Full Marathon (42 km): For experienced distance runners, aiming for the full route through scenic landmarks.
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Half Marathon (21 km): A challenging yet accessible option for many runners.
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Fun Run & Youth Dash: While the summary you provided mentions these, the official site focuses on full and half; further details on fun/youth categories may be available via the organisers. The official website emphasises full/half.
Route Highlights
Runners will traverse some of Srinagar’s most iconic and picturesque locations:
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Dal Lake and its lakeshore views.
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Shankaracharya Temple perched above the city, offering panoramic views.
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Pari Mahal and the historic Mughal Gardens, lending a cultural and scenic dimension.
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Other landmarks noted include the Jhelum riverfront, Lal Chowk, Hazratbal, etc.
Registration & Logistics
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On-spot registration and bib-collection counters are active at “Polo View, Srinagar” (as per recent reports).
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The official registration information lists fees (e.g., ₹2,200 for full marathon) and takes runners through a registration portal.
Merchandise & Expo
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The marathon organisers held an exposition ahead of the event: gear stalls, sports-equipment displays, event merchandise including caps, medals and race kits.
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The expo was inaugurated by Omar Abdullah (Chief Minister) at Polo View, Srinagar.
Why It Matters: Significance & Purpose
Symbol of Resilience & Revival
The marathon is being positioned as more than just a race. In the wake of earlier security challenges in the region — notably the April 2025 attack in Pahalgam — this event sends a message of confidence, normalcy and tourism-ready infrastructure. According to reports, one aim is to “showcase the improving situation in the valley and promote Kashmir as a prime destination for international events.”
Sports Tourism & Destination Branding
By hosting an event of national and potentially international appeal, the organisers are tapping into the growing trend of destination-running. A marathon set in the unique terrain and scenic environment of Kashmir offers participants the dual attraction of athletic challenge plus landscape and cultural immersion. The official website emphasises natural beauty (Chinar foliage, Zabarwan range, etc).
Local Engagement & Health Promotion
For residents of the Kashmir Valley, the marathon offers an opportunity to engage in fitness culture, participate in local-global events, and raise awareness about health and outdoor activity. The involvement of government departments and sports firms in this expo suggests a broadening of recreational and competitive sports infrastructure in the region.
Attracting Elite & Amateur Runners
News reports highlight that this edition expects higher participation, including “top long-distance runners from India and foreign athletes.” The inclusion of a full marathon category (42 km) signals ambition to raise the event’s stature.
Preparing for the Race: What Participants & Visitors Should Know
Pre-Race Preparation
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Ensure registration is confirmed and bib collected (or on-spot registration) — the expo/bib-collection counters at Polo View are active.
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Familiarise yourself with weather and terrain: The route has flat and hilly sections; the official website suggests an elevation gain of approximately 960 m.
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If travelling from outside, account for altitude, acclimatisation, and logistics in Srinagar (transport, accommodation).
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Gear up for changing autumn conditions: early morning chill, possible fog, variable light conditions — proper running shoes, warm layers for pre- and post-race, hydration gear.
On the Day of the Race
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Arrive at the start point in time; indicate which category you are in (full vs half).
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Respect the route markings, safety guidelines, hydration stations etc. The organisers likely have volunteers, medical support and assistance stations.
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For half-marathon runners, the route is shorter but still scenic and challenging — manage pacing accordingly.
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For full-marathon runners, prepare for the longer haul, and utilise the scenery as motivation: running past Lal Chowk, Jhelum riverfront, Dal Lake etc.
Spectators & Visitors
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If you’re not running but want to watch or support: consider vantage points near iconic landmarks (Dal Lake shore, Mughal Gardens, riverfront) for both viewing and photo opportunities.
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Enjoy the expo: gear up, engage with stalls, pick up souvenirs/merchandise.
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Use the opportunity to explore Srinagar: combine the race-day experience with tourism — local crafts, cuisine, lakeside shikara ride, Mughal gardens.
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Accommodations and local transport will likely be busier than normal — plan ahead for pick-ups, drop-offs, and parking/spectator areas.
Potential Challenges & Considerations
Weather & Terrain
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While autumn in Kashmir is scenic, early morning temperatures can be cold/light fog may linger. Runners should plan for warm-up accordingly.
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The route includes “mixed flat and hilly” terrain, with possible elevation changes (official site mentions elevation gain) — slower than flat city marathon pace may be realistic.
Logistics & Infrastructure
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Being only the second edition of the marathon, logistical teething issues (crowd management, hydration stations, first-aid availability) may exist.
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Road closures, traffic diversions around the route (especially near major landmarks) may affect local traffic and visitor movement. Participants and locals should be alert.
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Accommodation and transport may see higher demand — if you’re travelling in, book early.
Safety & Security
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Given the event’s symbolic role in the region’s revival, security measures will likely be heightened. Follow instructions from local authorities, volunteers, race officials.
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For foreign runners/visitors: carry ID, keep local contact information handy, be aware of local norms and conditions.
What Sets This Event Apart
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Scenic Route through Iconic Landmarks – Many city marathons are impressive, but the Kashmir Marathon combines distance running with vistas of Dal Lake, Chinar trees, Mughal gardens and Himalayan foothills. The official website emphasises the blending of natural, cultural and historical beauty.
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Timing & Symbolism – The event is being held at a moment when the valley is seeking to project revival and sporting tourism. Holding it in November (autumn) capitalises on peak foliage, moderate weather and lower tourist crowds.
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Growing International Appeal – With foreign athletes expected and the participation base widening, this could evolve into a landmark annual running event in India.
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Holistic Event Ecosystem – The pre-race expo, merchandise, fun-run categories (youth/fun) and associated tourism tie-ins make it more than just a run – it’s an experience.
How to Participate & Next Steps
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Visit the official website (e.g., kashmirmarathon.jk.gov.in) for registration, category details, terms & conditions, accommodation info.
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Choose category (Full 42 km / Half 21 km) and complete the registration fee (as per site: e.g., ₹2,200 for full, ₹1,800 for half).
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Prepare your travel logistics: arrival in Srinagar ahead of time, rest, acclimatise, and check expo/bib collection schedules.
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Stay updated via social media channels: e.g., the official Instagram handle of Kashmir Marathon.
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On race-day, pack running essentials (hydration, appropriate clothing, chip-tag/ bib, safety ID) and arrive early.
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For non-runners/spectators: plan how to reach vantage points, support fellow runners, enjoy the event and perhaps explore the valley.
Final Thoughts
The Kashmir Marathon 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event — combining athletic endeavour with a vision of regional revival, outdoor adventure, tourism and cultural showcase. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner eyeing a scenic new challenge, a casual runner wanting to participate in one of India’s most picturesque running events, or a visitor wishing to soak up the valley’s autumnal charm, this is a unique opportunity.
As you lace up your running shoes, consider this: you are not just running 21 km or 42 km — you’re running through history, through scenery few get to experience, and through an event that aims to redefine what a marathon can mean in a region like Kashmir.
