In the year 2010, Ladakh was ravaged by devastating flash floods. An already challenging
environment, which could only be tackled by a hardy people like the Ladakhis, was rendered even more hazardous. People lost their livelihood, their lives…..

Ladakh Marathon was started in the year 2012 to show the world that Ladakh was up and
running. The Marathon was also started to encourage the youth to take up running not only to lead a healthy lifestyle but also to give them a platform to participate and perform at a competitive level.

From 1,500 participants in the 1st edition in 4 disciplines/runs to close to 6,000 participants in the 11th edition in 6 disciplines/runs, from India and around the world, Ladakh Marathon has grown over these years. Organising such an event in such a harsh environment and high altitude is a big challenge. Over the years, we have had and continue to have the growing support of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Ladakh Scouts, numerous associations and village societies.

Being a very unique race in the Himalaya with its stunning & picturesque landscape of mountains, rivers & valleys it is growing in participation each passing year. Ladakh Marathon is an annual event certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons
and Distance Races) and one of world’s most important high altitude marathons. It is a key stop on the global marathon calendar! 

The 72km ultra Khardungla Challenge, considered one of the toughest races and ultimate test for endurance, grew from 11 participants in the year 2012 to close to 300 participants in the year 2024. This race is now one of the most prestigious Ultra Marathons in the world attracting ultra runners from across the globe.

Beginning from the 8th edition of Ladakh Marathon in the year 2019, a conscious decision was made to reduce the use of single use plastic to protect our fragile environment. We remain committed to same in achieving our ideology of “leave only footprints behind” in the years to come.

Our goal remains to make Ladakh Marathon most reputed high altitude marathon and attract the best of runners from around the world leaving them with lifelong memories and a chance to say they ran Ladakh, the world’s highest marathon.