CM calls upon citizens to embrace fitness as a ‘way of life’
Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday expressed hope that the maiden edition of the Jammu Marathon, scheduled to be held on March 29, 2026, will emerge as one of the iconic events on the Indian running calendar. He was speaking at the official launch of the Jammu Marathon at a ceremony held at Hari Niwas Palace here.
The launch event was attended by Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, former minister Ajatshatru Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, international fitness icon, model and actor Milind Soman, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, and other senior officers and stakeholders.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister unveiled the official logo, medal and merchandise of the Jammu Marathon. He also launched the marathon’s official website, opened registrations, and released the teaser video for the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said he firmly believes that the Jammu Marathon will carve out a distinct place for itself among major running events in the country, owing to its unique route that showcases the city’s rich cultural and heritage landmarks. He noted that the marathon route will pass through several iconic locations, including the Raghunath Temple, historic places and Mubarak Mandi, offering participants a rare blend of fitness, heritage and scenic beauty.
Sharing his personal journey into long-distance running, the Chief Minister recounted how he began running almost accidentally and gradually developed a deep passion for marathons. He said that from modest runs of five to eight kilometres, he unexpectedly found himself completing much longer distances, which eventually inspired him to participate in major marathons across the country.
The Chief Minister said that he plans to participate in the Jammu Half Marathon on March 29 and encouraged citizens to begin their preparation well in advance. “From Monday itself, those who intend to run in Jammu must start preparing, because this is an iconic event,” he remarked.
He also announced that, keeping in view feedback received from local runners after previous marathon events, the prize structure has been suitably modified to ensure greater participation and recognition of runners from Jammu and Kashmir. Besides the half marathon, 10K and 5K categories have also been included to encourage participation from people of all ages and fitness levels. “Now there is no excuse. One doesn’t have to run 21 kilometres—there are 10K and 5K options as well, and everyone can earn a medal,” he said.
Calling upon citizens to embrace fitness as a way of life, the Chief Minister urged people to “take out their running shoes, remove the rust, clean them and get ready,” adding that events like the Jammu Marathon promote healthier lifestyles and community participation.
Speaking on the occasion, Milind Soman described the Jammu Marathon as an amazing initiative, stating that Jammu and Kashmir will not be left behind in the fitness movement. Praising the Chief Minister’s commitment to fitness, Milind Soman, who is also promotional ambassador for Jammu Marathon, said that the region does not need any other inspiration when it has a leader like Omar Abdullah who leads from the front. He urged people of all age groups to participate in the marathon and begin their fitness journey through running, assuring that he would be present with the runners on March 29, 2026.
The Jammu Marathon is being positioned as a major sporting and tourism event, aimed at promoting fitness, showcasing Jammu’s heritage, and placing the city firmly on the national marathon map.
