The PangongTso Lake in Ladakh, which is located at a height of over 13,862 feet, played host to the first-ever frozen lake marathon on Monday, earning itself a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. In the history of Ladakh and the nation, this event was the first of its type to take place. The 21-kilometer-long “frozen lake marathon,” which took place at an elevation of 13,862 feet, made history as the first marathon ever to be held at the highest altitude.
The marathon with a theme of “The last Run: a leap towards saving our glaciers”, saw participation of people in large numbers from across India and other countries who were enthralled by the adventurous event amid picturesque ambiance of the cold desert .
Officials told Rising Kashmir that a number of people who had registered to participate in Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon were thrilled by the adventurous event.
While talking to Rising Kashmir Deputy commissioner Leh Shrikant Suse said ,”Seventy-five selected athletes from India and other countries of the world participated in the marathon and were thrilled to be a part of the marathon given the adventurous tryst that it behel.”
” The marathon was organised by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Leh, the Tourism Department and the Leh district administration with a purpose to promote sustainable tourism and create awareness about climate and the environment in the region.”
The marathon started at Lukung and culminated at Maan village .
Pertinent to mention after the completion of the marathon a Certificate was presented by the guiness book of world record.
People in huge numbers across the district visited to witness the first ever Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon, and cheered for the participants making the environment abuzz with the adventure of the marathon.
This frozen lake marathon was organised by Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh in collaboration with LAHDC The first of its kind, marathon was an attempt to make the Guinness World Record for the world’s highest frozen lake marathon.
“This was a golden opportunity to mark an entry in the Guinness World Records. It certainly was the next-level marathon ever at such an altitude. Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh and LAHDC Leh had made all the arrangements for the safe and smooth conduct of the marathon,” DC said
Chairman/CEC, Adv. Tashi Gyalson appreciated the efforts of the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh for making this mega event a success.
The marathon was called the ‘Last Run’ to highlight the issues of climate change and environmental degradation.