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New online registration system and downloadable application form ready and live

Posted on ·

For immediate release

2 May 2013

PRESS RELEASE

LADAKH MARATHON ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM GOES LIVE


Leh, Ladakh (India): We are pleased to announce that the online registration system for the Ladakh Marathon is now live on our website www.ladakhmarathon.com

Please note there are two registration options for both Indian nationals and citizens of other countries through the online system and payments can be made in $US or Indian Rupees:

  • You can fill out the online registration form here. Please be sure to follow the instructions and fill in all the fields
  • You also have the option to download an application form and mail it to us at Ladakh Marathon, Khagshal, Gonpa Road, Leh, Ladakh – 194101, Jammu &Kashmir, India Tel: + 91 1982 202329

Last year 1,500 runners participated and this year’s event which takes place on 8 September 2013 is shaping up to be bigger and better.

The Ladakh Marathon is the world’s highest and toughest marathon an opportunity for runners seeking new challenges to test their endurance and physical limits at 3524 metres (11,562 feet). Participants in the ultra-marathon, the Khardung La Challenge cross the world’s highest motorable road at 5362 metres (17,588 ft) before descending to Leh.

The Ladakh Marathon takes place during the Ladakh Festival, a weeklong celebration of sport, culture and tradition in a predominantly Buddhist high mountain desert region that was a central stop on the historic Silk Route between Central Asia and India.

The goal of the eco-friendly “green” marathon is to encourage the young people of Ladakh to live a healthy lifestyle by taking up running and become more aware of the need to protect a stunningly beautiful but environmentally fragile region.

The event is organized by Leh-based Rimo Expeditions, India’s leading adventure travel company in cooperation with the support of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Jammu & Kashmir Tourism.

Be sure to sign up for alerts on the home page of our website.

You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook

For more information, please email info@ladakhmarathon.com

2012 Race update

Posted on ·

2012 Ladakh Marathon update

Runners began to assemble for the start of the 10 KM, 21 KM and full marathon around 5 a.m. at the Shanti Stupa in Leh in drizzling rain. But the weather gods cooperated and event organizers heaved a huge sigh of relief as perfect running conditions prevailed for the rest of the day with overcast skies and moderate temperatures.

The 14 runners who took part in the Khardung La Challenge were the first to be off at 3 a.m. from Khardung Village, and by the time they crossed the Khardung La, it was snowing and the temperature had dipped to minus 4 degrees Celsius.

Please check this link for a photo album from the 2012 races

In Leh, the first race – the full-marathon – was flagged off at 7,30 a.m. by Shri Rigzin Spalbar, Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.

The half-marathon was flagged off a short while later by Brigadier Puri on behalf of Lieutenant General Rajan Bakshi, GOC 14 Corps.

The final batch and the most enthusiastic group of runners, those taking part in the 10 KM race were flagged off by Shri Tshering Angchok, Deputy Commissioner for Leh, Ladakh.

Many of the participants were young students and more than 400 participants were female. The enthusiasm among the youth was a good sign that interest in long-distance running runs strong among Ladakhis. It also bodes well for the long-term goal of cultivating young Ladakhi athletes who could represent India in future Olympic events.

Runners were given refreshments along the way by volunteers and enthusiastically greeted by thousands of residents and tourists who lined the streets of the Leh. They were met at the finish line at the Ladakh Public School by supporters on the street and from the rooftops. The festive atmosphere at the finish was complemented by the joyous music of the Ladakh Scouts regimental band.