Ladakh Marathon 2025

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.

Running bibs and timing chips are to be collected in person from the LADAKH MARATHON EXPO. Please do not forget to bring out a photo identity proof at the time of Bib collection.

Entry or BIB is non-transferable to any other participant / person.

Your official race BIB number is important. Therefore please ensure that it is displayed during the entire race.

Do not alter the Bib number in any manner.

No one else may wear your bib number.

Any participant found wearing another participant’s BIB will be disqualified.

The bib number must be pinned properly to the front of your t-shirt and clearly visible at all times.

Folding or covering any part of your bib number may result in disqualification.

Do not forcefully bend, crease or fold your bib.

Make sure to fill out necessary information on the back side of your Bib.

To ensure the safety of all participants, running bibs will not be issued to anyone other than the registered runner. Additionally, no authority letters will be accepted for this purpose. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity of the event and to help us provide a secure environment for everyone involved. Please schedule your travel plan and itinerary as per bib collection dates. Please do not forget to bring a photo identity proof at the time of BIB collection. It is mandatory to collect your BIBs as per dates given below.

No BIBs Will be given after the dates mentioned below:

Silk Route Ultra (122km)

Tuesday 2nd September and Wednesday 3rd September 2025

Khardungla Challenge (72km)

Tuesday 2nd September and Wednesday 3rd September 2025

Marathon (42km)

Sunday 7th September and Monday 8th September, 2025

Half Marathon (21km)

Sunday 7th September and Monday 8th September, 2025

11.2km Run

Monday 8th September, 2025

05km Run for Fun

Monday 8th September, 2025