Marathon will help youths shun drugs: J&K CM after 21 km run

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, along with Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, flagged off a marathon in Srinagar, stating that such sports events in the Valley will soon gain international recognition besides helping local youngsters to stay away from drug addiction.

More than 1,700 runners from across the country, including Asian gold medalists, as well as top-ranking athletes from Europe and Africa participated in the first 42-km full marathon and 21-km half marathon in Srinagar.

Abdullah himself completed the half marathon and posted pictures on social media informing that he completed the 21-km run at 5 minutes and 54 seconds per km. "This event has happened here for the first time and I hope it will get recognition at the international level. Running doesn't need any infrastructure, it just needs shoes and a road. We want our youngsters to move away from drugs towards sports," said Abdullah.