Srinagar, Oct 24 (KNO): Banners, hoardings and posters have transformed Srinagar’s streets ahead of the Kashmir International Marathon, with roads along the route set and barricading completed as around 2,000 runners, including 73 foreign athletes from 12 countries, prepare to hit the streets on Sunday.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will flag off the full marathon at 6:30 am, followed by the half marathon at 7:45 am, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad said on Saturday, adding that preparations for the event had been completed.
“The preparations are complete. Tomorrow morning at 6:30 am, the flag-off of the full marathon will be done by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. After that, at 7:45 am, the half marathon will be flagged off,” Director Sajjad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said efforts had been made to repair potholes along the route, complete barricading and improve the presentation of the starting and flag-off points to ensure the smooth conduct of the international sporting event.
A total of 1,807 runners have registered online, including 1,221 local participants, 513 domestic runners and 73 foreign athletes from 12 countries. The department expects total participation to cross 2,000, with on-the-spot registration also open for those who missed the online deadline.
As per details, 1,416 runners had opted for the 21-kilometre half marathon, while 391 would compete in the 42.195-kilometre full marathon. The registrations included 1,614 male and 193 female participants.
The routes have been designed to showcase Kashmir’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with runners passing through beautiful stretches around Dal Lake, Boulevard Drive, Nishat Garden and other prominent locations in Srinagar.
The Director said the Tourism Department is seeking to establish the marathon as an annual event and strengthen Kashmir’s profile as a destination for national and international sporting events.
“Participation of foreign athletes would help present Kashmir to a wider international audience,” he said, adding that the event would also provide opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and enable young athletes from Jammu and Kashmir to participate alongside international runners.
“The local stalls here showcase all their products, whether handmade or agricultural products. Our local youth get a chance to participate with international athletes,” he said. The Director said such events could boost the local economy and tourism sector.
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had told the department had introduced a separate prize category for Jammu and Kashmir to encourage local participation and provide runners from the region with greater opportunities to showcase their talent. At the Marathon Expo, inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, 20 stalls showcasing local handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural produce and other products were set up.
Traffic restrictions, diversions
Srinagar Traffic Police has also announced extensive traffic restrictions and diversions for Sunday to facilitate the marathon and regulate vehicular movement along the route.
Residency Road, from Radio Kashmir Crossing to Polo View, will remain closed to traffic from 5 am to 5 pm. The stretch of M.A. Road from Budshah Chowk towards Dalgate and Badyari, up to Nehru Park, will face restrictions from 5 am to 9 am.
Residency Road, from Court Road–Clock Tower to Biscoe School Crossing, will remain closed from 5 am to 8:30 am. Restrictions will also apply to routes towards Rajbagh and Presentation Convent School from Jawahar Nagar and Lal Mandi between 5 am and 8:30 am.
No traffic will be allowed from Nehru Park towards Kralsangri, Nishat, Habbak Crossing and Kashmir University, up to Sir Syed Gate, from 5 am until the marathon concludes. Traffic from Hotel Lalit towards Gupkar Road and Ram Munshi Bagh, as well as from Sonwar towards Ram Munshi Bagh, will also remain restricted during the event.
Heavy motor vehicles will not be allowed on R.R. Road, Gupkar Road, Boulevard Road and Foreshore Road from 8 pm on Saturday.
Traffic cut-off points will include Lal Mandi, Jahangir Chowk, Mamta Crossing and Ikhwan Chowk from 5 am to 8:30 am. Nishat, Kralsangri, Unani Hospital, Pantha Chowk, Harwan and Grills Junction at Hazratbal will remain restricted from 5 am until the marathon concludes.
Motorists travelling from Harwan, Shalimar, Nishat and Brein have been advised to use the Burzahama–Chandpora–Tailbal–Zakura–Habbak–Naseembagh route in both directions. Those travelling from Ganderbal and Nagbal towards Lal Chowk should use the 90 Feet Soura Road, while commuters travelling from Rambagh towards Rajbagh have been advised to take Jawahar Nagar Bund Road.
People travelling from Rainawari and Saidakadal towards Hazratbal have been advised to use Lal Bazar Road via Grills Cut towards Kanitar.
Parking arrangements, public advisory
Designated parking facilities for marathon participants include SP College Ground, SDA Parking opposite Pick ‘N’ Choose, Multilevel Parking at Press Colony, Presentation Convent School, Gindun Park Rajbagh, Institute of Hotel Management Rajbagh, Directorate of Horticulture Rajbagh, Football Ground TRC, Floriculture Park on R.R. Road and Cricket Ground TRC opposite J&K Bank headquarters.
Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance and avoid unnecessary travel on Gupkar Road, M.A. Road, Residency Road, Boulevard Road, Badyari, Dalgate, Nishat Foreshore Road, Habbak Crossing and areas near Sir Syed Gate of Kashmir University during the restrictions.
Students appearing for examinations have been advised to carry valid admit cards to facilitate movement through restricted routes. Ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency vehicles will be prioritised. The Srinagar Traffic Police helpline is 103—(KNO)