Jammu and Kashmir to Host First Marathon and Adventure Race Following Formula 4 Success

Jammu and Kashmir is preparing to host its inaugural marathon and adventure race following the successful Formula 4 car race. This was announced during a meeting led by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo at the Civil Secretariat.

The meeting saw the participation of several key officials, including the Principal Secretary Home, Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Ladakh Marathon founder Chewang Motup Goba, and other officers.

Chief Secretary Dulloo highlighted that Kashmir possesses all the essential elements to become a premier destination for world-class marathons and adventure races. He emphasized that hosting such events would offer a platform for local youth to compete in national and international arenas.

He referenced the successful Formula 4 car show held along Dal Lake in Srinagar in March 2024, underscoring its success as a precedent for future events. Dulloo instructed the officers to develop comprehensive roadmaps and set timeline-based goals for organizing an international marathon in Kashmir. He announced plans to host the marathon in Kashmir in October this year and in Jammu in March 2025, aligned with favorable weather conditions.

Dulloo stressed the importance of establishing the Kashmir Marathon as a notable event both domestically and globally, urging officials to ensure significant international participation. He also encouraged exploring opportunities for hosting an adventure race in the region, noting that such events could greatly stimulate the local economy through tourism and business engagement, positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a top-tier adventure sports destination.

Chewang Motup Goba, the visionary behind the Ladakh Marathon, will organize the marathon and adventure race in Jammu and Kashmir. Goba, with his extensive experience in adventure sports, presented a detailed plan for the marathon, proposing a route from Polo View to Nishat Garden. He emphasized that Kashmir’s unique terrain and cultural heritage could attract runners and tourists, thereby enhancing the region’s visibility and economic prospects.

Goba asserted that with strategic planning and execution, Kashmir could emerge as a leading global destination for adventure sports. He noted the exponential growth of running events worldwide, attracting millions of participants annually, and proposed two running disciplines: a marathon (42 km) and a half marathon (21 km).

Additionally, Goba outlined plans for a multidisciplinary adventure race, incorporating activities such as trail running, swimming, boat racing, and cycling/mountain biking.