Ladakh Marathon
| Ladakh Marathon | |
|---|---|
 The Ladakh Marathon logo | |
| Date | 10 - 13 September 2026, 13th edition |
| Location | Leh, Ladakh, India |
| Event type | Road race |
| Distance | Silk Route Ultra (122 km) Khardung La Challenge (72 km) Marathon Half Marathon 11.2 km Run 5 km Run For Fun |
| Primary sponsor | None |
| Established | 2012 |
| Course records | Men's: 2:56:51 (2019) Shabir HussainWomen's: 3:18:56 (2017) Jigmet Dolma |
| Official site | Official website |
The Ladakh Marathon is an annual international running event held in Leh, in the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh, typically during the second week of September. With race routes reaching altitudes of up to 17,618 feet (5,370 meters), it is recognized as the world’s highest AIMS-certified marathon. The event joined the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) in 2015. Its 2026 edition featured a total prize pool of ₹1 crore[1].
The event comprises six race categories: the Silk Route Ultra (122 km), the Khardung La Challenge (72 km), the Full Marathon (42.195 km), the Half Marathon (21.0975 km), the 11.2 km Run and the 5 km Run for Fun.
The marathon’s high-altitude setting presents substantial physiological and logistical challenges. Routes span elevations of approximately 10,300 to 17,618 feet (3,140 to 5,370 meters), where reduced oxygen availability, steep terrain and significant temperature fluctuations add to the demands of endurance running. The ultra-marathon categories involve prolonged efforts across remote mountain terrain, including sections undertaken at night. These combined conditions make the Ladakh Marathon a demanding high-altitude endurance event, attracting runners from India and abroad.
History
[edit]The Ladakh Marathon was established in 2012[2], following the devastating flash floods that struck Ladakh in August 2010, causing loss of life and widespread damage to settlements and livelihoods. The event was conceived to demonstrate Ladakh’s resilience, encourage running and healthy living among local youth, and provide a platform for competitive distance running.
The inaugural edition attracted approximately 1,500 participants across four race categories. Over the following editions, the event expanded in scale and participation, drawing runners from across India and internationally. By its 11th edition, participation had grown to nearly 6,000 runners across six race categories. In 2015, the Ladakh Marathon joined the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
Held in the high-altitude landscape surrounding Leh, the marathon presents challenges beyond distance alone. Routes extend from approximately 10,300 feet to 17,618 feet (3,140–5,370 meters), where reduced oxygen availability, steep mountain terrain and substantial temperature variations increase the physiological demands of endurance running.
Khardung La Challenge
Introduced in 2012, the Khardung La Challenge is a 72 km ultramarathon that takes runners through the high-altitude terrain of the Khardung La pass, at an elevation of approximately 17,618 feet (5,370 meters). The race was first held with just 11 participants, predominantly local runners, including members of a local ice hockey team[3].
According to the event’s founding account, the inaugural field was assembled despite a lack of initial registrations, with local ice hockey players and other young Ladakhis taking on the distance. Their familiarity with the region’s cold climate and high-altitude environment offered some preparation for the conditions, although completing 72 km across mountainous terrain posed a distinct endurance challenge.
Participation subsequently increased, reaching close to 300 runners in 2024. The race has since attracted ultra-distance runners from India and abroad, with its combination of distance, elevation and reduced oxygen availability distinguishing it from conventional road ultramarathons.
Silk Route Ultra
The Silk Route Ultra, a 122 km ultramarathon introduced in 2022, follows a route connected to historic travel corridors between Leh and the Nubra Valley[4]. Before modern road infrastructure made motorized travel possible, journeys along these mountain routes could require several days on foot.
The course has a personal connection to Ladakh Marathon founder and race director Chewang Motup Goba, who travelled on foot between the Nubra Valley and Leh as a schoolboy. Journeys that once served as a necessity for local residents now provide the historical context for an ultramarathon in which runners must cover 122 km across high-altitude terrain within a prescribed cut-off time.
The distance, mountain passes, reduced oxygen availability and exposure to changing conditions, including cold temperatures after dark, make the Silk Route Ultra a prolonged test of endurance and preparation.
Recent editions
The marathon continued to grow in participation, attracting more than 6,600 runners in its 12th edition in 2025. Its 13th edition, held in September 2026, recorded approximately 7,200 participants[5].
Race
[edit]The Ladakh Marathon is organized by the High Altitude Sports Foundation Ladakh with support from the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, Ladakh Police, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Ladakh Scouts, alongside Rimo Expeditions as the logistical supporter, local associations, village communities and other partners.
Categories
The Ladakh Marathon is made up of six categories: The Silk Route Ultra (122 km), the Khardung La Challenge (72 km), the Full Marathon (42.195 km), the Half Marathon (21.0975 km), the 11.2 km Run and the 5 km Run for Fun.
Race Day
The Ladakh Marathon is generally held during the second week of September. The race programme spans several days, with the two ultramarathons taking place first, followed by the shorter-distance events.
The Silk Route Ultra typically begins at 7:00 pm on Friday, while the Khardung La Challenge starts at 3:00 am on Saturday. The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 11.2 km Run and 5 km Run for Fun are scheduled across the following two days.
Course
The Silk Route Ultra begins in Kyagar village and proceeds through Khalsar village to Khardung village, which is also the starting point of the Khardung La Challenge. The two ultramarathon routes then ascend towards Khardung La Top, at an elevation of approximately 17,618 feet (5,370 metres), before descending towards Leh. Both races finish at Leh Market.[3][4]
The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 11.2 km Run and 5 km Run for Fun begin and finish at the NDS Memorial Stadium in Leh, following circuit routes through the surrounding area.
The courses pass through the distinctive landscape of Ladakh, including mountain ranges, high-altitude passes, rivers, local villages and monasteries. The elevation, mountainous terrain and changing weather conditions are defining features of the event, particularly for the ultramarathon categories.
Acclimatization
[edit]
Acclimatization to high altitude is an important consideration for participants in the Ladakh Marathon, as reduced oxygen availability at elevations of approximately 11,500 feet (3,500 metres) and above can cause altitude-related illness. To help runners prepare for the demands of racing in these conditions, the event provides pre-race guidance on acclimatization, training and race readiness. According to the marathon’s official website, participants in the Silk Route Ultra and the Khardung La Challenge are advised to arrive in Leh at least two weeks before race day[6].
This extended pre-race stay is a distinctive feature of the event. By encouraging runners to arrive in Leh well in advance, the marathon supports a longer period of visitor activity before race day. Participants may spend on accommodation, food, local transport and other services while acclimatizing and preparing for their races, contributing to the local economy.
Race day photos
[edit]In the last 7 years of Ladakh Marathon, Khardungla Challenge & Silk Route Ultra, the organizers continued the partnership with marathon photography experts SplitSecondPix[7] to provide photo technology for the event. A team of 25 photographers venture out into the extreme terrains of Ladakh to capture the action of the ultra marathon. Starting at 3am in Khardong village and temperatures of −10 °C to 17586 ft Khardung La pass and descending into the Leh Valley the photographers capture the timeless moments through its lenses. Participants can visit the event website or SplitSecondPix[7] website to find these timeless photos on basis of their Bib number.[8][9][10][11][12][13]
Winners
[edit]
The Khardung La Challenge (72 km)[edit]Winners of 72 km "The Khardung La Challenge" also known as "Ultra-Marathon" are as follows.[14][15][16][17][18][19]
Since 2015, special 72 km Khardung La Challenge for women was started. |
Women Khardung La Challenge 72 km winner
|
Marathon 42 km (Women)
[edit]
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Marathon 42 km (Men)[edit]
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See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "L-G VK Saxena felicitates winners of Silk Route Ultra, Khardung La Challenge. | The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh | India". Retrieved 9 October 2026.
- ↑ "History of the Ladakh Marathon & Its Global Impact". ladakhmarathon. Retrieved 9 October 2026.
- 1 2 "Khardung La Challenge: Ladakh's Toughest Marathon". ladakhmarathon. Retrieved 9 October 2026.
- 1 2 "Silk Route Ultra: Ladakh's Extreme High-Altitude Race". ladakhmarathon. Retrieved 9 October 2026.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon 2026: Five runners, six races, and their tips for going the distance". The Hindu. 10 September 2026. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 October 2026.
- ↑ "High-Altitude Acclimatisation Guide for Marathon Runners". ladakhmarathon. Retrieved 9 October 2026.
- 1 2 SplitSecondPix
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon Photos 2016". SplitSecondPix. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon Photos 2017". SplitSecondPix. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon Photos 2018". SplitSecondPix. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon Photos 2019". SplitSecondPix. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon Photos 2022". SplitSecondPix. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon Photos 2023". SplitSecondPix. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ↑ "Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council organised 3rd Ladakh Marathon at Leh". M.jagranjosh.com. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
- ↑ "4th Ladakh Marathon witnesses huge participation". Jammu Kashmir Latest News – Tourism – Breaking News J&K. 13 September 2015.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon – Results 2012". ladakhmarathon.com. Archived from the original on 17 September 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon – Results 2013". ladakhmarathon.com. Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon – Results 2014". ladakhmarathon.com. Archived from the original on 17 September 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ↑ "Ladakh Marathon – Results 2015". ladakhmarathon.com.[permanent dead link]
