This special report focuses on the second edition of the Kashmir Marathon, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in Srinagar, which saw the participation of hundreds of international and local athletes. An attendee captured the spirit of the event, stating, “I’m just here enjoying myself with my friends… because you know people come here. That’s why I joined.” The marathon with 42 km and 21 km categories is a significant initiative to promote tourism and broadcast the message of peace and normalcy. It assumes special significance as it is one of the biggest events in the valley after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The aim of the event is to showcase Kashmir’s resilience and strengthen its reputation as a leading destination for adventure tourism.
