Srinagar, Sep 13 (Agencies): The award ceremony of the first-ever international half-marathon held in Srinagar was marred by protests this morning.

Clashes erupted between the youth and security forces near the venue in in Hazratbal area. As young men shouted slogans and pelted stones at the security forces, the forces fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters. At the award ceremony, people threw plastic water bottles at the podium. There were no reports of injuries.

"The situation is under control now," the police said.

The 21-km half-marathon was flagged off at 6.30 am from the Kashmir University at Hazratbal. It passed through the banks of Dal Lake along Foreshore Road.

As many as 15 international athletes had participated in the event, for which more than 15,000 people had registered.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was scheduled to take part in the event, cancelled his participation as the tension developed.