Kashmir Marathon 2026: Srinagar hosts third edition on 25 October
Synopsis
For the third consecutive year, Srinagar transforms into a marathon venue — this time with ₹25 lakh on the line for full marathon winners and a course that weaves through Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, and the Shankaracharya Temple. What began with 2,000 runners in 2024 is now a growing fixture on India's sports tourism calendar.
Key Takeaways
The third edition of the Kashmir Marathon takes place in Srinagar on 25 October 2026 .
Overall winners of the full marathon (men's and women's) will each receive ₹25 lakh ; half-marathon winners receive ₹15 lakh .
The course covers landmarks including Dal Lake , Shankaracharya Temple , Pari Mahal , and the Mughal gardens .
The inaugural 2024 edition attracted nearly 2,000 runners from India and 13 foreign countries ; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah personally ran the half marathon.
Srinagar Traffic Police has issued a road closure and diversion advisory for 25 October .
Registration fees: ₹2,200 (full marathon), ₹1,800 (half marathon).
Srinagar is set to host the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon on 25 October 2026 (Sunday), with runners competing across full and half-marathon courses against the iconic backdrop of Dal Lake, Chinar-lined avenues, and the historic Mughal gardens. Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, the international long-distance running event blends competitive athletics with the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Race Distances and Prize Money
The full marathon covers the standard 42.195 km, while the half marathon spans 21.0975 km. The stakes have been raised significantly: overall winners in both the men's and women's full marathon categories will each receive ₹25 lakh, while the top prize for half-marathon category winners stands at ₹15 lakh each.
Age-group prizes in the full marathon — covering the 18–35, 36–50, and above-50 brackets — are set at ₹1 lakh per category. The top prize for male and female participants from Jammu and Kashmir is ₹4 lakh. For the half marathon, age-group winners take home ₹75,000, and the best local finishers receive ₹2 lakh. Registration fees are ₹2,200 for the full marathon and ₹1,800 for the half marathon.
The Route: Kashmir's Landmarks as a Backdrop
The course is designed to offer runners both physical challenge and scenic reward. Participants will pass landmarks including the Shankaracharya Temple, Pari Mahal, and the Dargah Shrine, with views of the Zabarwan mountain range along stretches of the route. The Mughal gardens, where autumnal Chinar foliage is at its most vivid in late October, form one of the course's most celebrated segments.
Organisers have described the race as 'an unforgettable journey through the heart of Kashmir, where natural beauty meets cultural richness' — positioning it as a test of endurance wrapped in the Valley's autumn landscape.
How the Event Has Grown
The inaugural edition on 20 October 2024 was flagged off by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitating participants. That first edition drew nearly 2,000 runners from across India and 13 foreign countries. Sher Singh won the men's full marathon in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 22 seconds, while Tamsi Singh claimed the women's title in 3 hours, 3 minutes and 25 seconds. Chief Minister Abdullah personally completed the 21-km half marathon that year.
The second edition in 2025 built on that momentum, broadening race categories and associated activities to establish the marathon as a recurring fixture on Srinagar's sporting calendar. The third edition is expected to attract even wider international participation, reinforcing the event's role in promoting Kashmir as a sports tourism destination.
Traffic Advisory and Road Closures
The Srinagar Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning of major road closures, designated cut-off points, and diversions along the marathon route on 25 October. Commuters and residents have been urged to plan alternative routes and follow traffic instructions to avoid inconvenience during the event.
With substantial prize money, an internationally competitive field, and a course showcasing some of the Valley's most celebrated landmarks, the third edition is poised to further cement the Kashmir Marathon's standing among India's premier long-distance running events.
Point of View
And the route's integration of cultural landmarks is a deliberate tourism play by the J&K Tourism Department. The real measure of success, however, will be year-on-year growth in foreign entrants — if the 13-country participation of 2024 has expanded meaningfully by 2026, the event has crossed from novelty to institution. The traffic disruptions are a minor but telling signal that Srinagar's urban infrastructure will need to keep pace if the marathon continues to scale.
NationPress
24 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Kashmir Marathon 2026?
The third edition of the Kashmir Marathon is scheduled for 25 October 2026 (Sunday) in Srinagar , Jammu and Kashmir. The event is organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department and covers routes alongside Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens, and other Valley landmarks.
What is the prize money for the Kashmir Marathon 2026?
Overall winners in the men's and women's full marathon categories will each receive ₹25 lakh . Top prizes for half-marathon winners stand at ₹15 lakh each. Age-group winners in the full marathon receive ₹1 lakh , while the best local (J&K) finishers take home ₹4 lakh (full) and ₹2 lakh (half).
What is the registration fee for the Kashmir Marathon?
The registration fee for the full marathon (42.195 km) is ₹2,200 , while the half marathon (21.0975 km) costs ₹1,800 to enter.
Who won the first Kashmir Marathon in 2024?
Sher Singh won the men's full marathon at the inaugural 2024 edition with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes and 22 seconds . Tamsi Singh won the women's full marathon in 3 hours, 3 minutes and 25 seconds . The event was flagged off by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah , who also personally completed the half marathon.
What are the road closures for the Kashmir Marathon on 25 October?
The Srinagar Traffic Police has issued an advisory for 25 October 2026 warning of major road closures, cut-off points, and diversions along the marathon route. Residents and commuters have been advised to use alternative roads and follow traffic instructions to avoid delays.
