Omar Abdullah Opens Kashmir Marathon Completes 21 KM, Encourages Running for Wellness

Srinagar: Days after being sworn in for his second term as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah took part in the Kashmir half-marathon and achieved a personal milestone by completing the 21 km race. The National Conference leader shared his accomplishment on social media, posting updates and visuals of his run along Srinagar's picturesque Dal Lake.

"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," Abdullah said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He added, "I've never run more than 13 KM in my life, and that too only once. Today, I just kept going, driven by the energy of other amateur runners like myself."

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. Today I just kept going, propelled by the enthusiasm of other amateur runners like… pic.twitter.com/yZVjFz5oJ4 — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 20, 2024

Abdullah revealed that his preparation was minimal. "No proper training, no running plan, no nutrition. Picked up a banana and a couple of khajoor along the way. The best part was running past my home with family and others out to cheer me on," the 54-year-old politician shared.

Throughout the marathon, Abdullah recorded himself running with other participants and shared the experience of being part of such a large gathering. He mentioned that he clicked numerous selfies and even fielded some appointment requests and job-related queries from people he encountered during the run. "It was such fun running with others. Lots of selfies and videos along the way," he added.

Some journalists even attempted to interview him mid-run, making for an eventful morning. Abdullah also took the opportunity to advocate for running as a way to reduce stress, urging people to try it as an alternative to drugs. "A good run, whether a kilometer or a marathon, is enough to clear the cobwebs and give a natural feeling of euphoria. Try it, you won’t regret it. Let’s start running for a drug-free J&K," he encouraged.

You don’t need drugs to feel good or beat stress. A good run, whether a kilometer or a marathon, is enough to clear the cobwebs & achieve a natural feeling of euphoria & enthusiasm. Try it, you won’t regret it. Let’s start running for a drug free J&K. pic.twitter.com/AC450rbsLq — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 20, 2024

In response to a complaint from a Delhi marathon runner about the city's poor air quality, Abdullah invited runners to join next year's Kashmir marathon, boasting of the better air quality and scenic beauty.

The Kashmir marathon, the region’s first-ever international event of its kind, was flagged off by Omar Abdullah from Srinagar’s Polo Stadium. Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty also attended the event, speaking to the media about the potential of such events to showcase Kashmir's beauty. "It’s a paradise for the world," Shetty remarked, emphasizing the positive message this event sends globally.

Omar Abdullah’s participation in the marathon comes shortly after his National Conference-Congress alliance won the Assembly elections, securing 48 seats in the 90-member legislative body. The BJP followed with 29 seats in the first Assembly polls held after Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status and statehood.