Leh: Treacherous trans-Himalayan terrain, running at one of the highest altitudes in the world and braving constantly changing temperatures, the Ladakh Marathon is not for the faint-hearted. Land of High Passes, nestled between the majestic Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges, Ladakh is India’s highest plateau.
But the stunning mountain views and landscapes, along with its beautiful weather, should not be confused with comfort. A mere uphill brisk walk in the cold mountain desert habitat can be severely uncomfortable and wearying for many, let alone running what is currently the world’s highest ultramarathon. The race pushes even the toughest to their limits and is a test of endurance, vigour and determination.
Started in 2012, the Ladakh Marathon is an annual long-distance running event that takes place in Leh. What began as an initiative to celebrate the local spirit of the region and to offer an opportunity to the athletes in Ladakh to make a name for themselves has now carved its place in the local folklore, becoming a part of the culture.
With six events, catering to runners of all categories – from amateurs to global athletes, Ladakh Marathon has something for everyone. Races range from a 5km Run for Fun event to the gruelling Silk Route Ultra Marathon, which covers a distance of a staggering 122km, making it one of the toughest long-distance races in the world.
The six races range from 11,500 to 17,618 feet (3,505 to 5,370m) above sea level. The Silk Route Ultra, the most challenging of them all, kicks off at an altitude of 10,700 ft above sea level at Kyagar in Nubra Valley, stretching 122km over the traditional Silk Route, covering the Khardungla Pass at 17,618 ft. The race finishes in Leh at an elevation of 11,562 ft above sea level.
Runners at the Ladakh Marathon.
The Khardungla Challenge begins at the Khardungla Village, situated at 13,090 ft above sea level and lasts 72km till Leh. The two ultramarathons are the most sought-after events under the umbrella of Ladakh Marathon and attract runners from across the globe, offering them a chance to run through some of the most picturesque landscapes while crossing the bright Indus River, facing some of the most difficult terrains in the world.
This year, the Silk Route Ultra will begin on Thursday, September 11, with the Khardungla Challenge kicking off the following day. The 42.195km marathon will take place on Sunday, September 14, along with the half marathon and the 11.2km run. Run Ladakh for Fun, which is the easiest of all and the most popular among all age groups, will take place on September 13.
What difficulties do racers face while preparing for Ladakh Marathon?
With altitude ranging from the lowest point of 11,500 feet above sea level to the highest of 17,618 feet, Ladakh Marathon requires proper acclimatisation and utmost care, besides the endurance, willpower and determination to complete any of the six courses. While Ladakhi athletes and runners find it the least challenging, for those coming from other areas across the globe, it is imperative to prepare well in advance.
Running an ultramarathon in Ladakh is only for the most experienced and fittest. Satish Gujaran (62), who hails from Mumbai, is a veteran marathon runner who has been a regular at the Comrades Marathon – a 90km run in South Africa, stressed the importance of acclimatisation in Ladakh before taking a long-distance run, revealing how he had to be hospitalised due to lack of oxygen last year.
Gujaran is no stranger to long-distance events as he is a Green Card holder at the Comrades, having participated in 14 consecutive editions of the ultramarathon in South Africa, which is among the most difficult races in the world. However, Ladakh was a bit too much for even a runner of his calibre and experience.
“I finished the run and ended up in the hospital. Because my SPO level had come down,” Gujaran told News9 in Leh, on the sidelines of the registrations for the Ladakh Marathon.
Ladakh Marathon offers a chance for the participants to run across a stunning landscape.
Though he fortunately recovered quickly, the dropping of SPO levels, which is for oxygen saturation in blood cells, can lead to difficulty in breathing, chest pain and dizziness among others. It can also prove fatal when running at such a high altitude.
Gujaran, who has run marathons across India, Singapore, Thailand and South Africa, rates Ladakh Marathon as one of the toughest. The 62-year-old, who is in Ladakh for the third time, completed the Khardungla Challenge last year, along with the full marathon and intends to do the same this year.
“There is no comparison between this and other runs. Because here, if you don’t acclimate yourself properly, it will be a risk to your life. If you don’t have enough time, you should not register for the race,” he stressed.
The Khardungla Challenge is the ultimate test of one’s endurance, and many dream of completing it once in their lives. However, it is far trickier than it appears. Around 60km stretch of the total 72km distance is based on above 4000m (14,000ft), meaning those coming from their hectic city lifestyles are at greater risk as they find themselves in a completely different landscape. 289 runners will take up the Khardungla Challenge this year.
The lack of oxygen at high altitudes can cause severe problems for runners as it can lead to Hypoxia, where body tissues stop functioning properly due to insufficient oxygen. The lack of oxygen in the blood can also leave one feeling nauseous, posing a serious risk. Thus, there are strict eligibility criteria in place for the Khardungla Challenge.
The route for the Khardungla Challenge. (Photo: Ladakh Marathon)
Only experienced runners, or those who have finished a full marathon under five hours, or those who completed the Ladakh Marathon (42km) or the Khardungla Challenge in the previous year, are allowed to take part in the race. The age cap is set at 20 to prevent teenagers from taking part in the ultramarathon.
The rules for the Silk Route Ultra Marathon (122km distance) are tougher. Only selected 89 participants are allowed, and those taking up the challenge must have completed the Silk Route Ultra the previous year, or a 100-mile race within 24 hours, or a 100km race within 14 hours. The runners, who completed the Khardungla Challenge within 14 hours in the previous edition, are also eligible, with a minimum age requirement set at 24.
A runner competing at the Ladakh Marathon.
A couple from Lucknow, who together took the draining Silk Route Ultra challenge last year, revealed the challenges they faced during the 122km race. Only the wife, a housemaker, could finish it as the husband, a businessman, had to quit midway due to a lack of oxygen in his blood, leading to sudden muscle paralysis in his left leg.
“The snow, the cold, the sun and the oxygen level, there are multiple challenges when running in Ladakh,” revealed Dr Kamal Singh, who took up the Silk Route Ultra with his wife last year.
“My left side muscle was left paralysed due to the lack of oxygen in the blood, which is why I had to abandon the race. If you want to do this race. Especially the Khardungala Challenge or the Silk Route. So, you should come minimum 15 days before,” he said.
The route for Silk Route Ultra (Photo: Ladakh Marathon)
Hydration and medical support
All participants taking part in the two ultramarathons are provided with the best-in-class gear, including a running jacket, a beanie cap and bags for layering, among other things, to ensure they have the best possible chance of completing the race. Hydration and medical support are the keys in such challenging races, and the organisers ensure the best possible support is available in case of an emergency.
Hydration and aid stations are installed at regular intervals to support the runners, and there are mobile units as well, providing the participants with drinks, snacks and other necessities to fuel up regularly. The drinks are served in biodegradable glasses, keeping nature in mind, while snacks, fruits, dates, etc, are all free of plastic packaging.