Srinagar- For many, the 42 kilometres around Dal Lake were not just a marathon but a journey through beauty, resilience and belonging.

The second edition of the Kashmir Marathon, flagged off from Polo View here on Sunday, brought together runners from 11 countries and 27 states in a morning that felt like Kashmir running towards peace.

More than 1,500 athletes, amateurs and first-timers, filled Srinagar’s Boulevard Road with rhythm and colour as the sun rose behind the Zabarwan range, eyewitnesses said.

They said from locals waving flags to children handing out water bottles, every corner of the route carried the heartbeat of a Valley reclaiming its joy.

Tea stalls and Kashmiri samawars, were also set up along the shores of Dal Lake to refresh the athletes.

“This is not just a race,

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