New Delhi, August 18, 2025 : The Ladakh Marathon—the world’s highest AIMS-certified distance running event—returns for its 12th edition from September 11 to 14, bringing together over 6,000 runners from 30 countries across six categories.
The event will feature races from a 5 km community run to two grueling ultra-marathons: the 72 km Khardung La Challenge and the 122 km Silk Route Ultra, described as the “pinnacle of endurance racing.”
Participants will run alongside the Indus River, traverse high-altitude passes like Khardung La and Nubra, and experience some of the most dramatic Himalayan landscapes. The race schedule also includes the Full Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21 km), and an 11.2 km run.
The Silk Route Ultra will flag off on September 11 from Kyagar Village (10,000 ft), crossing Khardung La (17,618 ft) before finishing at Leh Market. The following day, nearly 300 runners will take on the Khardung La Challenge, with more than 60 km of its 72 km route lying above 13,000 ft—making it the highest ultra-marathon in the world.
All participants are required to undergo mandatory acclimatisation, arriving in Ladakh at least a week in advance to adapt to the extreme altitude.
“The Khardung La Challenge and Silk Route Ultra push the limits of human endurance. Record registrations this year show a newer, fitter India that runs toward challenges,” said Chewang Motup Goba, Chairperson of the High Altitude Sports Foundation and founder of the Ladakh Marathon.
