'So Damn Pleased': J&K CM Omar Abdullah Flags Off Kashmir Marathon, Completes 21 KM Run

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday took to the streets, successfully completing a 21 km run in the Kashmir Marathon.

Abdullah expressed his joy on the social media platform X, stating, “I’m so damn pleased with myself today. I completed the Kashmir Half Marathon – 21 KM at an average pace of 5 min 54 sec per KM. I’ve never run more than 13 KM in my life & that too only ever once.”

He attributed his achievement to the enthusiasm of fellow amateur runners, saying, “No proper training, no running plan, no nutrition. Picked up a banana & a couple of khajoor along the way.”

He also noted a memorable moment during the run, adding, “The best part was running past my home with family & others out to cheer me on.”

The J&K Chief Minister demonstrated his physical fitness by running alongside the athletes, with his security personnel accompanying him.

Earlier in the morning, Abdullah flagged off the Kashmir Marathon, marking the first international athletic event to take place in the valley. He was joined by Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty at the flagging ceremony, which featured around 2,000 athletes from both India and abroad.

The Kashmir International Marathon included participants from various backgrounds, such as top long-distance runners, Asian gold medallists, and elite competitors from Europe and Africa. The event offered two race categories: a full marathon of 42 km and a half-marathon of 21 km.

Organised by the Department of Tourism, the marathon aims to showcase the improved situation in the valley.

“Kashmir is open to all. We welcome tourists from different parts of the world. If someone is running 42 km, it itself makes a statement that Kashmir is now peaceful,” stated Tourism Director Raja Yaqoob on Saturday.

“We also want to showcase our heritage, niche products, handicrafts, cuisine to the world. These runners have millions of followers on their social media, so they will be our brand ambassadors,” Yaqoob added.

(With inputs from agencies)