Over 6,000 participate in world’s highest marathon in Ladakh

Our Correspondent

Leh, September 8

The eighth edition of Ladakh Marathon with more than 6,000 participants from different parts of India and 25 foreign countries was held today in Leh.

There was hustle and bustle in Leh town as a large number of runners and people from all walks of life, from within the country and abroad, were camping there.

It is known as the highest marathon in the world as all four categories of marathon are held at over 11, 000 feet above the mean-sea level.

The three catagories of Ladakh Marathon are 42-km full and 21-km half marathon and 7-km long Run for Fun were held today.

However, the toughest 72-km Ultra Khardungla Challenge, which was being held to test the ultimate endurance of experienced and ultra runners was held on September 6.

Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC, Leh Gyal Phunchok Wangyal and Additional District Development Commissioner Mozes Kunzang jointly flagged off the full marathon. The half marathon was flag off by the J&K Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh.

While, Lt Genl YK Joshi, GoC of 14 Corp of the Army, flagged off the seven-km-long Run for Fun.

The ninth edition to be held in 2020 will be a qualifying race for the Abbot World Marathon Majors.

Sachin Kumar, Deputy Commissioner , Leh, former Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa, civil and defence personnel also participated in the half marathon.

The district administration and the police have made elaborate security and other arrangements.