Ladakh to host frozen lake marathon on Feb 20 to highlight climate change

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, February 15

To highlight how climate change is affecting Himalayan glaciers in Ladakh, a unique marathon will be organised on February 20 on frozen Pangong Lake situated close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This will be the second edition of the marathon which will take place at the lake situated at nearly 4,350 metres above the sea level.

As per the organisers, this event will be conducted in a very sustainable manner with no use of plastic water bottles and waste generating products. “We believe there is no force stronger than sports to unite people of different races and religions, and climate crisis like issues demand such a collaborative force. Hence we connect sports to causes larger than the self,” a message by organisers stated.

The marathon is being organised by Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) in collaboration with the Tourism Department and Ladakh administration.

A unique initiative

• Marathon to be organised on frozen Pangong Lake situated close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China
• Second edition of the marathon, which will take place at the lake situated at nearly 4,350 metres above sea level
• Event to be held in sustainable manner with no use of plastic water bottles

The Pangong frozen lake marathon is limited to 50 runners of all abilities for this year. Frozen lake marathon has been a well-known adventure activity worldwide including Icebug Frozen lake marathon in Norway. Running in winter is not an easy task, but running on a frozen lake makes it thrilling for adventurers all across the country and the world.

A delegation led by the founder of Adventure Sports Federation of Ladakh, Chamba Tsetan on Thursday met with the L-G of Ladakh, Brig BD Mishra (retd), and discussed the upcoming event, which is also expected to boost tourism in the region.

Chamba apprised the L-G of the marathon, which is officially registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Highest Frozen Lake Half Marathon. He informed that the marathon was launched to promote winter tourism in Changthang and also to spread the message of sustainability on a global scale.

This year’s event includes both full and half marathon on frozen Pangong lake after proper acclimatization at Leh prior to the event. There will be a medical team and hot water points at an interval of 5 km, an ambulance will also accompany the runners and be available throughout the event.

Participants have been asked to bring along a warm jacket, head torch, raincoats among other essentials.

For a larger cause

We believe there is no force stronger than sports to unite people and climate crisis-like issues demand such a collaborative effort. — Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh

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