Srinagar, Nov 12: The upcoming Gulmarg 12K Run has received an overwhelming response, with more than 150 athletes registering within hours of the registration link opening, forcing organisers to close entries against the initially available 120 spots.

The first-of-its-kind running initiative, scheduled to be held on November 29, will bring together some of Kashmir’s finest long-distance runners for a unique sporting experience amid the picturesque surroundings of the Gulmarg Bowl.
The event will be conducted entirely along the Gulmarg Bowl Road, with the run scheduled to be flagged off from Pine Palace Resort, Gulmarg, at 9:00 AM.
Organised by Kashmir Sports Watch (KSW) and Fucan, in collaboration with the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), the event is supported by M&Co and Pine Palace Resort Gulmarg.
Speaking about the response, a KSW organiser said the organisers had initially opened only 120 spots but received more than 150 registrations within a few hours.
"We had limited the initial entries to 120 athletes, but the overwhelming response, with more than 150 registrations within hours, forced us to close the registration link. It reflects how significantly the running community in Kashmir has grown over the last few years," the organiser said.
The Gulmarg 12K Run is being organised under the theme 'An Initiative Towards a Healthy and Drug-Free Kashmir', with the objective of encouraging young people to embrace running, adopt healthier lifestyles and contribute towards building a fitter, more active and drug-free society.
Envisioned as a distinctive sporting initiative, the Gulmarg 12K will offer participants an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and refreshing mountain atmosphere of one of Kashmir's most renowned tourist destinations.
The proposed route will feature a loop of approximately six kilometres or more, with participants completing two laps to cover the 12K-plus distance. The final route and distance will be confirmed following a technical assessment and consultations with the concerned authorities.
Apart from promoting fitness and sporting culture, the event also aims to showcase Gulmarg as a destination for outdoor recreation, fitness tourism and community-based sporting activities.
The organisers believe the initiative will add a new sporting attraction to Gulmarg during the autumn period, helping keep the destination active ahead of the winter tourism season.
The competition will feature an Open Senior Men's category. All registered participants will receive finisher medals, while cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers.
With its unique setting and growing participation, the Gulmarg 12K Run is expected to add a new dimension to Kashmir's emerging running culture.