Kashmir to host 1st international half marathon on Sunday

Srinagar: The stage is set for the first ever international half marathon in Kashmir with more than 15,000 athletes, including 15 foreigners, registering for the event scheduled to be held on Sunday.

"The participation of 15 international athletes has been confirmed for the event as more than 15,000 people have registered for the first ever international half marathon," organisers of the event said.

The foreign runners are mostly from Kenya, which boasts of top long distance runners at international level.

The organisers said two events under the banner of 'I am the Change' are scheduled to be held tomorrow.

"The 21km half marathon will be flagged off at 6.30 in the morning from Kashmir University at Hazratbal and will pass through banks of Dal Lake along the Foreshore road. The runners will return to the finish line at Kashmir University campus," they said.

The second category is a run-for-run of around 5km and the majority of the registered participants will take part in this event, the organisers said.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also registered to take part in the event.

"Looking forward to a good event tomorrow," Omar wrote on twitter.Com.