Ladakh Marathon: All you need to know and course records

The Ladakh Marathon is an annual long-distance running event held in Leh, Ladakh, located in the northern part of India.

With the course elevation ranging from 11,500 to 17,618 feet (3,505 to 5,370m) above sea level, the Ladakh Marathon is often advertised as the ‘world’s highest marathon’.

According to the Guinness World Records, however, the world's highest marathon was conducted on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in May 2022. It was held at an altitude of 5,895 m or 19,340 feet.

The Ladakh Marathon is the fifth marathon in India to get international recognition. In 2015, the marathon became a full member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The event is organised with the support of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).

How did the Ladakh Marathon start?

The Ladakh Marathon was first organised in 2012 to celebrate the spirit of the local people in Leh and Ladakh, who faced a devastating flash flood in 2010. Since the first race, there has been a steady rise in participation with runners from more than 20 countries taking part in the event.

The inaugural men’s full marathon event at the Ladakh Marathon was won by India’s Tsering Gyatso with a timing of 3:36:18 seconds. Indian runner Jigmet Skitzom, who clocked 4:51:30, holds the distinction of being the first women’s champion.

The Himalayan race is held on natural terrain, giving athletes the opportunity to run through the picturesque landscapes of mountains, valleys and rivers.

Ladakh Marathon races

The Ladakh Marathon incorporates six running events, which caters to first time runners as well as trained athletes.

1. Run for fun (5km)

The Run for fun (5km) is the shortest race in the Ladakh Marathon and was started to attract runners across different age-groups and genders. This race is meant to be a fun activity and is open to everyone, including students and families in Leh as well as tourists. Runners above 12 years of age participate in the race.

2. 11.2 km Run

The 11.2km Run is a race to help runners get an actual taste of the real marathon and prepare for the other challenging races of the Ladakh Marathon. To participate in this run, a runner should have completed two 10km runs under 1 hrs 30 mins in the past three years. Runners above 12 years old can participate in the race.

3. Half Marathon (21km)

The Half Marathon (21.0975km) is for intermediate runners, who are looking to build up to the full Marathon. The half marathon is run through the outskirts of Leh and is known for being particularly tough. Runners who have completed either one half marathon under 3 hours or two 10km runs under 1 hour 25 minutes in the past three years are eligible to participate. Athletes have to be 16 years or older to participate in this race.

4. Full Marathon (42km)

The Full Marathon (42.195km) is a tough race at a high altitude. The race is mostly for runners who have several months of training under their belt. Beginners and first time runners are not encouraged to participate in this category. Participants who have run the Ladakh half marathon (21km) or completed either one full marathon or two half marathons in the past three years are eligible to run.

5. Khardung La Challenge (72km)

The Khardung La Challenge (72km) is the highest Ultra Marathon in the world. This race is amongst the toughest and challenging endurance races for runners who want to push their limits to the extreme. Runners have to run approximately 60km of the race at an elevation of 4000m (14,000ft) above sea level. The number of participants in this race is restricted to a maximum of 200 runners.

Participants who have finished the Ladakh full marathon or Khardung La Challenge previously are eligible. Other ways to qualify to run the Khardung La Challenge are as follows:

• Finishing two full marathons under five hours in the past three years

• Finishing two ultra marathons (over 70km) in the past three years

• Finishing a full marathon under five hours and an ultra marathon in the past three years

6. Silk Route Ultra (122km)

The Silk Route Ultra (122km) is the toughest among the Ladakh Marathon races and is often considered as the epitome of high altitude running, testing the limits of human endurance. The ancient ‘Silk Route’ running through the Karakoram pass connected North West India with Central Asia and was one of the longest and most strategically vital trade routes of ancient times. The Silk Route Ultra course passes through the famous Nubra Valley, also called the Ldumra or the valley of flowers, and makes for a stunning backdrop to the race.

This ultra race is for veterans who have been running the Khardung La Challenge for several years and for the ultra runners and Ironman athletes looking to test the limits of their endurance.

Number of participants in this race is capped at 50 runners.

Participants who have finished a Khardung La Challenge or either have an ultra marathon (over 100km) certificate or have finished a marathon (under five hours) in the past three years can run. Other eligibility criteria include finishing two ultra marathons in the past three years or finishing a World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) Ironman race in the past three years.

Due to the elevation, it is necessary for Ladakh Marathon runners to acclimatise to the conditions before participating in the event. Otherwise, runners might suffer from altitude sickness at this height due to lack of oxygen. It is recommended that athletes arrive in Leh at least 10 days ahead of race day to get used to the conditions.

The 12th edition of the Ladakh Marathon will take place in Leh from September 11 to 14, 2025.

Ladakh Marathon: Full marathon course records and best timings