Kenyan athletes swept the top honours at the third Kashmir International Marathon on Sunday. But the loudest cheers did not go to a podium finisher. They went to a young mother from Gujarat who ran with her child in her arms.
Kulsum did not win a medal, but she won the crowd. She ran with her baby held close and showed what a mother’s grit looks like. Spectators along the route applauded as she passed, and many pulled out their phones to record the moment. In a field of seasoned athletes chasing podium finishes, she became the face of the event.
Her run said that ambition does not stop at motherhood, and that responsibility need not hold anyone back. Kulsum did not run for a trophy. She ran to prove a point, and she did.
Kenyan dominance, inspiring grit
In the men’s full marathon (42 km), Kenya’s Kanab Kalob Omolo took first place. Hamington Kinaro Chirub finished second and Jacob Kabachol third. In the women’s full marathon, Lemensa Harpa won, followed by Sharen Jimilo and Monica Wanjohi.
Another story of courage came from Shivam Kumar, a para-athlete from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. He has no hands, yet he took part in the event and became another symbol of determination.
Half marathon winners
In the men’s 21 km half marathon, Leme Teshong Lemanto finished first. Barco Bayasa Bakale was second and Sambol Eric Kanguso third. Ankita won the women’s race, with Saha Deslin Adana second and Helen Motino Megonor third.
Local runners shine
In the local category, Kulbir Singh won the men’s full marathon. Waseem Ahmad Dar was second and Raghav Sharma third. Neha Devi won the women’s race, ahead of Diksha and Salma Bedi.
In the men’s local half marathon, Mohammad Yaseen Mir finished first, followed by Rajit Sharma and Parveen Kumar. In the women’s half marathon, Kirti Devi took first place, with Sakshi Thakur second and Shamshad Bano third.
The numbers
A total of 1,807 runners registered online for the event. They included 1,221 from Jammu and Kashmir, 513 from other parts of India and 73 foreign runners from 12 countries. The marathon featured a 42 km full marathon and a 21 km half marathon, and it promoted sportsmanship, fitness and endurance.
As the Kenyans took the titles, the day’s defining image was a mother, a child and a finish line.
