800 runners from across India participate in Kargil Marathon run

Srinagar, July 19:

Over 800 athletes from different states of India participated in the Kargil Marathon run making it one of the major events in the country.
Besides being a sports event, the marathon projected the Kargil as one of the most beautiful and bewitching tourist spots in the country.
The marathon was organised by Sarhad Pune, J&K Tourism department, Run Buddies, SEWAK, All Kargil Tour and Travel Association, SEMOK etc, with support from LAHDC Kargil, Indian Army and J&K State Sports Council.
The marathon saw the participation of the people from all ages including the tourists both domestic and foreigners.
The marathon started from Tourist Facilitation Centre (TFC) Kargil and concluded at the same venue covering Drass War Memorial, Kaksar Harka Bahadur and much more.
J&K Legislative Council chairman Haji Anayat Ali, Dr Subash Ram Rao, J&K Minister for Public Works, Nayeem Akhtar, LAHDC CEC Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah, travel trade fraternity from both Kashmir and Kargil were present to support and encourage the programme aimed at bringing Kargil on the world tourism map.
Talking to media, Major D.P. Singh expressed his happiness for getting chance to run in Kargil.
An American runner and climber Alen who participated in the event described Kargil as one of the must visit places in the world.
“I have been to many places but Kargil is a must visit place. It is an out of the world experience to visit Kargil,” said Alen.
Sarfaraz Rahman, a young international runner from Meerut, won the 120 km marathon.
A local runner Zaheer Abass won 60 km in less than 6 hours.
Speaking on the occasion, Naeem Akhtar said they are developing the Kargil as one of the major tourist destinations.
He said Kargil has vast tourism potential which needs to be tapped properly.
Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah who was also present on the occasion said Kargil has been used only as a transit point when it has great tourism potential.
“The marathon has attracted runners from many states of India which will help promote Kargil as a tourist destination. We want tourists to extend stay at Kargil,” said Shah.

Source: http://risingkashmir.com/news/800-runners-from-across-india-participate-in-kargil-marathon-run-