Running has taken off in Kashmir. The Kashmir Marathon in Srinagar now draws runners from across India and abroad, and road races and track meets fill the calendar. Whether you are aiming for a 5 km fun run or the full marathon, preparation is what makes the day enjoyable.
Choose the right distance
Most events offer several distances. New runners should start with 5 or 10 km. Move up to a half marathon after a season of steady running, and to the full marathon only once a half feels comfortable.
Build up gradually
Give yourself time: at least eight weeks for a 10 km race and around four months for a marathon. Run three or four times a week, keep most runs easy, and add one longer run each week. Increase your weekly distance slowly, and take an easier week every three or four weeks so your body can adapt.
Srinagar's hills are useful for training. Short hill repeats build strength and help on the flatter stretches of a race.
Shoes and kit
Running shoes are the one item worth spending on. Buy a pair that fits your foot and running style, and break them in before race day. Never race in new shoes. Autumn mornings in the valley are cold, so start in layers you can take off as you warm up.
Hydration and race day
Drink regularly during long training runs and practise with whatever you plan to use in the race. On the day, start slower than you feel you can, use the water stations, and warm up with light jogging and dynamic stretches.
For schools and clubs
A big race is a good goal for a school running club or a PE class. Train as a group, enter the shorter categories together, and use the event to build interest in athletics. Clubs can run pacing and injury-prevention sessions before the race, or volunteer at water stations.
Track meets need their own kit: starting blocks, relay batons, hurdles and stopwatches.
Where to buy
MDF Enterprises in Srinagar stocks sports equipment including sports shoes and athletics gear, and supplies schools and clubs across J&K with bulk and GeM orders.
