‎Srinagar, Oct 22 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said special prizes have been introduced for local runners in the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon, scheduled to be held in Srinagar on Sunday, in a move aimed at encouraging greater participation from athletes in the Valley.
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‎Speaking about the upcoming event, Abdullah said the decision to introduce a separate prize category for local runners was taken following requests from Kashmir-based athletes.
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‎“This year, on the demand of our local runners, we have introduced special prizes for them so that running, whether in the half marathon or full marathon, gets a further boost,” he said.
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‎The Chief Minister said runners from different parts of India and several foreign countries were expected to participate in the event.
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‎He said Kashmir's natural beauty and surroundings made the marathon different from similar events held elsewhere.
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‎“If you look at the beauty and surroundings of the Kashmir Marathon, there is hardly any competition.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe prize money is also much higher than that offered in many other races,” Abdullah said.
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‎Recalling his participation in the previous two editions, Abdullah said he would not be running this year but would attend the event to flag off the race.
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‎“I had the opportunity to participate in the first two marathons. Unfortunately, I will not be participating this year, but I will certainly come to flag it off,” he said.
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‎The Chief Minister also appealed to people who had not yet registered to take part in the marathon.
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‎“Those who have not registered still have an opportunity. Come forward, register and participate. Winning is not as important as taking part and enjoying the marathon,” he said.
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‎Abdullah expressed hope that the event would attract enthusiastic participation from both local and visiting runners. (KNS)