LEH, , Sep 12: Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today flagged off the 5-km ‘Run for Fun’ from Martyrs’ Chowk, Leh, as part of the 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon 2026.
Around 1,334 participants took part in the run, including students from various schools, government officials, runners from across India and abroad, and notably, specially-abled participants. The run covered the route from NDS Stadium, Leh, to Mentokling Motors and back to NDS Stadium.
The Ladakh Marathon has steadily gained popularity in Ladakh as well as across the country and internationally, owing to its distinctive high-altitude endurance events. The four-day marathon is being held from September 10 to 13, with this year marking its 13th edition.
As part of the event, the Silk Route Ultra was held on September 10. The ultra began from Kyagar village in Nubra and concluded at Leh Market, witnessing the participation of 118 runners.
The Khardung La Challenge was conducted on September 11. The challenging high-altitude race commenced from Khardung village and concluded at Leh Market, with 359 participants taking part.
The Ladakh Marathon has emerged as one of the world’s prominent high-altitude endurance running events, promoting fitness, sporting spirit and an active lifestyle while providing participants with an opportunity to experience Ladakh’s unique terrain.
Beyond promoting running and physical fitness, the marathon has also become an important platform for showcasing Ladakh’s spectacular landscape, rich cultural heritage and spirit of resilience to participants and audiences from across the country and the world.