‘Temples to Trails’ theme to boost fitness tourism and showcase Jammu’s heritage
BuzzBytes Desk | Jammu | Mar 29
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday led by example as he flagged off and participated in the Jammu Marathon, completing the 21-kilometre half marathon despite inclement weather, while asserting that the event would position Jammu as a hub for fitness tourism and cultural exploration.
The marathon, held at the iconic Maulana Azad Stadium, witnessed enthusiastic participation from runners across the region and beyond. The Chief Minister not only inaugurated the event but also actively joined the race, finishing the 21.1 km stretch in nearly two hours, drawing loud cheers and admiration from participants and spectators alike.
At the finish line, a large number of runners gathered to click pictures with the Chief Minister, celebrating his spirited participation. His presence and performance added a unique energy to the inaugural edition of the marathon, reinforcing the message of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
According to an official post shared by the Chief Minister’s office on X, Omar Abdullah encouraged people from all walks of life to embrace fitness as an essential part of daily life. He emphasised that maintaining physical well-being is key to a productive and balanced lifestyle, especially in today’s fast-paced world.
Highlighting the broader vision behind the event, the Chief Minister said the marathon’s theme, “Temples to Trails”, is designed to showcase Jammu’s rich cultural heritage alongside its scenic beauty. He noted that such initiatives can play a vital role in promoting Jammu as a vibrant destination for fitness tourism, attracting visitors who seek both adventure and cultural experiences.
The event also saw participation from renowned personalities, including fitness icon Milind Soman, who termed the marathon a “wonderful experience”. He expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s participation, stating that it was inspiring to see a leader actively engaging in such events.
Soman shared that he had completed 21 kilometres during the marathon and had also undertaken a similar trek a day earlier while visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple for darshan. “It is an honour to be here. I enjoyed running in the rain, and the enthusiasm of the people made it even more special,” he said, raising slogans of national pride.
Actor Gul Panag also praised the event, commending both the organisers and participants for their high spirits despite challenging weather conditions. She described the turnout as impressive for an inaugural edition and congratulated everyone involved for making the marathon a success.
Participants from different age groups and backgrounds took part in the event, reflecting a growing interest in fitness activities in the region. The rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm, with runners continuing the race with determination and energy.
The successful event of the Jammu Marathon marks a significant step towards promoting sports culture and positioning Jammu as an emerging destination for large-scale sporting events. Officials believe that such initiatives will not only encourage local participation but also boost tourism and economic activity in the region.
With strong public response and high-profile participation, the marathon has set the stage for future editions, reinforcing the message that Jammu is ready to blend fitness, tourism and cultural pride into a dynamic and engaging experience.
