120 participants from seven different countries competed in the Pangong frozen lake marathon in Ladakh for its second edition.
On February 20, Ladakh hosted the second Pangong frozen lake marathon, dubbed “the world’s highest frozen lake marathon.”
With assistance from the Administration Union Territory of Ladakh and the 14 Corps of the Indian Army, the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh organized the event.
120 runners from seven different countries competed in the run in two distinct distance categories: 10 km and 21 km. Chief guest of the evening was Secretary of Sports Ravinder Kumar, who was escorted by Chushul Constituency Councillor Konchok Stanzin.
The purpose of this race, which went by the moniker “theastrun,” was to raise awareness of the speed at which the Himalayan glaciers are melting. Given the effects of global warming, it was suggested that this might be the final run on the frozen Pangong lake. As the Chushul council member noted, it also seeks to develop winter tourism in areas such as Changthang.
Participants in the event included residents of Pangong areas including Maan, Merak, Spangmik, and Phobrang, who also hosted the runners. On this day, they also presented a variety of cultural performances.
The run was officially one of the hardest marathons in the world because it took place at an altitude of 14,273 feet in the midst of severe snowfall and lows of -15°C.
Frozen lake marathon, 120 participants from across the world
