Associated News Bureau

Divisional Commissioner Reviews Preparations for 3rd Kashmir Marathon on October 25

Srinagar, October 10: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday reviewed preparations for the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon, scheduled to be held on October 25, and directed all concerned departments to ensure coordinated efforts for the smooth and successful conduct of the event. The review meeting assessed arrangements being made by the Tourism Department, the nodal department for the event, in coordination with other stakeholder departments. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Tourism and officers from the departments of Information, Public Health Engineering, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Roads and Buildings, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Youth Services and Sports, Health, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, Hospitality and Protocol, Srinagar Smart City Limited, State Road Transport Corporation, Agriculture, Sports Council, Lakes Conservation and Management Authority, State Disaster Response Force, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and other concerned departments. During the meeting, officials informed that a three-day Marathon Expo would be organised at Polo Ground ahead of the event. The marathon has also attracted international participation, with 67 foreign nationals from 12 countries registered so far. Both the full marathon, covering 42.19 kilometres, and the half marathon, spanning 21.09 kilometres, will be held on the same morning. Seventeen aid stations will be established along the route to provide assistance and support to participants. Emphasising the importance of effective coordination, Garg directed all concerned departments to nominate nodal officers to ensure timely execution of assigned responsibilities and facilitate coordination among the departments. He called for measures to enhance the visual appeal of the marathon route, including the placement of potted flowers. The Roads and Buildings Department was directed to inspect the route thoroughly and ensure that potholes are filled to provide a smooth and safe running surface. Authorities were also asked to undertake the pruning of trees along the marathon loop. Highlighting the need to preserve Srinagar's scenic appeal, the Divisional Commissioner stressed maintaining cleanliness in areas surrounding Dal Lake. He also directed the deployment of volunteers at suitable locations and the establishment of adequately staffed medical camps to address health emergencies during the event. The Traffic Police was asked to publicise designated parking locations well in advance to facilitate participants and ensure smooth traffic management on marathon day. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation and KPDCL were directed to ensure the proper functioning of streetlights along the marathon route, while the Sports Council was instructed to make adequate lighting arrangements at Polo Ground. The SMC was also directed to maintain cleanliness and sanitation along the marathon route and at the inaugural venue. Garg emphasised that timely completion of preparatory arrangements and close coordination among all stakeholder departments would be crucial to ensuring the successful organisation of the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon. ANB