A policeman from Jammu and Kashmir police has won the first ever Srinagar Marathon organised by J&K Sports Development Association here.
Reyaz Ahmad of J&K Police emerged winner in the first full marathon held here yesterday. Ahmad completed the distance in two hours and 43 minutes while the last competitor completed the distance in three hours.
It was for the first time that a full marathon involving 42km was held in the valley and top 12 athletes of the state participated in the event which was flagged off by President Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Rouf Ahmad Tramboo at Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar.
The route of the event involved both old city and civil lines and it was a rare scene for both competitors and onlookers to see such an event passing through these places.
JK Bank executive president and chairman Sports Board Taffazul Hussain, who was the chief guest, hailed the participants for competing in the historic event.
"I congratulate players and JKSDA for organising the first ever full marathon in the Valley. It is no easy to run 42-kilometres in this chilly winter season. They deserve applause and players have proved it today that Kashmir has got lot of talent in the long distance running," Hussain said.
"I assure both organisers and players that we at J&K Bank are always ready for the upliftment of sports in the state.
{{/usCountry}}"I assure both organisers and players that we at J&K Bank are always ready for the upliftment of sports in the state.
{{/usCountry}}Whenever you need any help or support you are welcome at J&K Bank," he said.
The winner was handed a newly-introduced rolling trophy,
in addition to the normal winner's trophy on which the champion's name will be engraved, JKSDA organising secretary Reyaz Wani said.