Emerges as J&K’s largest multi-category hill race
RK News Service
Ramban, May 31: The 6th edition of the Patnitop Marathon, attracting over 800 runners from more than 30 cities and 15 states across India, commenced successfully at Patnitop on Sunday, establishing itself as Jammu and Kashmir’s largest multi-category hill race.
The event was organised by IKA Sports & Events Pvt. Ltd, promoted by Ironman athlete and endurance sports entrepreneur Kapil Arora, in collaboration with the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA), Directorate of Tourism Jammu, and district administrations of Udhampur and Ramban.
The marathon featured four race categories: 50 KM Ultra Marathon, 21.1 KM Half Marathon, 10 KM Race, and 5 KM Race, with participants competing across five age-group categories (18–35, 35–45, 45–55, 55–65, and 65 years & above). The event brought together elite athletes, amateur runners, fitness enthusiasts, armed forces personnel, tourists, and local participants amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
The highlight was the 50 KM Ultra Marathon, regarded as one of India’s most demanding and picturesque road ultra-marathons. The route commenced from outside the Youth Hostel at Patnitop and passed through the scenic mountain stretches of Kud, Nathatop, and Sanasar Lake before returning to Patnitop.
The marathon was organized in support of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, promoting a healthy, active, and drug-free lifestyle. The event also featured awareness activities aimed at educating the public about the dangers of substance abuse.
Tourism officials highlighted that events such as the Patnitop Marathon play a crucial role in promoting wellness tourism, adventure tourism, and destination sports in Jammu and Kashmir. The marathon generated significant tourism activity for the region, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and small businesses.
The event received strategic support from 10 running clubs from across India, including Jammu’s MOBE Club and C9 Club, helping expand the event’s national reach.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan, CEO Patnitop Development Authority Virender Kumar Manyal, SDM Chenani Ranjeet Singh, Deputy Director Tourism Jammu Pankaj Sasan, along with senior officials from Health, Fire & Emergency, Police, Traffic, and other line departments.
Kapil Arora, Founder of IKA Sports & Events Pvt. Ltd., expressed gratitude to the PDA, Directorate of Tourism Jammu, district administrations, sponsors, volunteers, local communities, and participants for their support.
With participation continuing to grow year after year, the event is rapidly becoming a marquee destination race for runners seeking both challenge and natural beauty.