Srinagar, Oct 10: As many as 67 foreign nationals from 12 countries have registered for the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon, scheduled to be held in Srinagar on October 25, with authorities making extensive arrangements for the international sporting event.
The participation figures were disclosed during a review meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday to assess preparations being undertaken by the Tourism Department and other stakeholder agencies.
According to officials, the event will feature a full marathon covering 42.19 kilometres and a half marathon spanning 21.09 kilometres, both scheduled to take place on the morning of October 25.
A three-day Marathon Expo will also be organised at Polo Ground in Srinagar ahead of the event.
Officials informed the meeting that 17 aid stations would be established along the marathon route to provide assistance to participants and address their immediate requirements during the race.
Reviewing the arrangements, Garg directed all participating departments to nominate nodal officers to ensure effective coordination and timely completion of their assigned responsibilities.
He instructed the Roads and Buildings Department to inspect the entire marathon route and repair potholes to ensure a smooth and safe running surface for participants.
The Divisional Commissioner also called for beautification of the route through the placement of potted flowers and directed the concerned agencies to undertake pruning of trees along the marathon circuit.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining Srinagar’s scenic surroundings, particularly around Dal Lake, Garg directed officials to ensure cleanliness and sanitation along the route.
He also instructed the concerned departments to deploy volunteers at designated locations and establish medical camps with adequate staff to respond to any health emergencies during the event.
The Traffic Police was directed to announce designated parking locations well in advance to facilitate participants and ensure smooth vehicular movement on marathon day.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) were instructed to ensure that streetlights along the marathon route remain functional.
The Sports Council was directed to make necessary lighting arrangements at Polo Ground for the smooth conduct of the event.
The SMC was also tasked with ensuring proper sanitation and cleanliness along the marathon route and at the inaugural venue.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Tourism and senior officials from the departments of Information, Public Health Engineering, Roads and Buildings, Youth Services and Sports, Health, Agriculture, Hospitality and Protocol, and other concerned agencies.
Representatives of JKTDC, Srinagar Smart City Limited, SRTC, Sports Council, Lakes Conservation and Management Authority, SDRF, Police and Fire and Emergency Services also participated.
Garg emphasised that close coordination among all departments and timely execution of preparatory measures would be essential for the successful conduct of the marathon.
The third edition of the Kashmir Marathon is expected to bring together domestic and international runners in Srinagar, with preparations underway to ensure participant safety and the smooth management of the event. (KNS)
