Ladakh Marathon 2026: Five runners, six races, and their tips for going the distance
The Ladakh Marathon, known as the world's highest, is preparing for its 13th edition with six different race categories. Organizers and participants discuss the physical and mental challenges of high-altitude running and the event's growth in international participation.
Why it matters
Showcases the growth of extreme sports tourism in India and the logistical challenges of organizing large-scale athletic events in high-altitude environments.
Chewang Motup Goba, the man behind the upcoming Ladakh Marathon, described as the “World’s Highest Marathon”, says that what stays with him the most is this: “Seeing a first-time runner at the start, unsure of what lies ahead, and then seeing that same person cross the finish line. Somewhere along the way, they discover what they are capable of, and they also discover Ladakh,” says the Chairperson of High Altitude Sports Foundation, which organises and promotes the run.
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