Jammu, March 29 Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that the Jammu Marathon symbolizes the profound transformation that Jammu and Kashmir has undergone since 2019 — the year when the center revoked the special status under Article 370 and divided the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
"Peace, prosperity, and conducive conditions have made the UT a destination for world-class events. Its dream has finally come true, as after seven decades, J&K is claiming its rightful place on the global stage," the LG said at the felicitation ceremony of the Jammu Marathon here.
The first-ever International Half Marathon in Jammu, organized by the J&K Tourism department, featuring 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km race categories, saw thousands of runners from across the country and abroad participate.
Among men, 26-year-old Yeneblo Biyazen Alehegn won the overall half marathon, clocking 1:05:04 hours, narrowly ahead of 19-year-old Gadisa Assefa Ragasa (1:05:05) and 29-year-old Enos Kipruto Saat (1:05:08).
In the women’s category, 30-year-old Croline Jeruto Chesir secured first place with a time of 1:14:50, followed by 22-year-old Selamawit Tena Geda (1:14:53) and 20-year-old Lelise Tegegne Wakweya (1:14:59).
From J&K, Adetya Singh (23) and Neha Devi (34) completed the half-marathon in 1:08:47 and 1:35:47, respectively.
Ezekiel Letaya Tiepus (26) and Emebet Gatawy Beyene (21) clinched the 10-km titles in the men's and women's categories, respectively, while Sandeep Pal (20) and Gargi (16) won the 5-km race.
Referring to the Jammu Marathon as a "historic milestone," the LG said the success of the mega event promises a surge in tourism to the enchanting city of Jammu, benefiting trade and businesses, and ushering in an era of comprehensive development.
"Since 2019, we have progressed one step at a time, creating a new identity for this Union Territory. We have transformed it into a hub of peace and prosperity, now capable of hosting international marathons, cricket tournaments, and even international events," Sinha said.
He further said that when the Centre first conceived the Kashmir Marathon in 2023, the goal was not just to organize a race, but to announce the arrival of a "new" J&K on the global sporting stage.
He observed that, fueled by the citizens' unwavering resolve, the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is setting new benchmarks in development.