This edition drew runners from every Indian state and Union Territory for the first time in history, alongside athletes representing 30 countries, cementing the event\u2019s status as one of the most significant running fixtures on the global running calendar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance races in the world, the Silk Route Ultra takes runners across a 122 km course that begins in the Nubra Valley, climbs over the formidable Khardung La Top at 17,618 ft, and concludes in the heart of the Leh Market.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
76 runners took on the course this year, with Ladakh Scouts\u2019 Tsewang Kundan claiming the men\u2019s title in 13 hours 50 minutes and one second; the mountain infantry regiment excelled across the ultras, achieving several podium finishes, including both runner-up positions in the SRU.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Sufiya Sufi clocked 19 hours 12 minutes and 36 seconds to win the women\u2019s category, upgrading from her third-place finish the year before.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, at 3:00 am on September 12, the Khardung La Challenge, a 72 km Ultramarathon, flagged off from Khardung Village, featuring over 280 runners.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shabir Hussain and perennial champion Namgyal Lhamo dominated their respective categories, with the former winning the men\u2019s category in six hours, 58 minutes, and 40 seconds, while the latter claimed first in the women\u2019s section in a little over eight-and-a-half hours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The prize distribution ceremonies were held at Leh Market, where DGP Ladakh Police Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal honoured the winners of the Silk Route Ultra, while Maj. General Parveen Chhabra, VSM, felicitated the champions of the Khardung La Challenge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on the occasion, Chewang Motup Goba, founder, Rimo Expeditions, and Race Director of the Ladakh Marathon said, \u201cFirst of all, a huge congratulations to the winners of this year\u2019s Silk Route Ultra and Khardung La Challenge races. These two Ultramarathons test runners both mentally and physically in one of the world\u2019s toughest terrains. To achieve what they have achieved shows incredible resilience, determination, and grit on their part. Over the years, the SRU and KC have grown in scale, with more than 350 individuals taking part this year. We would also like to highlight every single one of them who attempted these extraordinary challenges, and we hope to see them again next year.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The veteran categories also delivered standout performances. In the Khardung La Challenge, Indore\u2019s Vijay Kumar Singh (8:59:04) topped the men\u2019s field, while Bengaluru\u2019s Rita Satish Patkar (12:41:48) claimed victory in the women\u2019s race. Over the demanding Silk Route Ultra, Uttarakhand\u2019s Shivanand Dangwal (18:32:24) emerged as the winner in the veteran men\u2019s category.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on the occasion, Chewang Motup Goba, founder, Rimo Expeditions, and Race Director of the Ladakh Marathon said, \u201cFirst of all, a huge congratulations to the winners of this year\u2019s Silk Route Ultra and Khardung La Challenge races. These two Ultramarathons test runners both mentally and physically in one of the world\u2019s toughest terrains. To achieve what they have achieved shows incredible resilience, determination, and grit on their part. Over the years, the SRU and KC have grown in scale, with more than 350 individuals taking part this year. We would also like to highlight every single one of them who attempted these extraordinary challenges, and we hope to see them again next year.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 12th edition of the Marathon will continue with the 5 km Run for Fun on Saturday, September 13, before concluding with the 11.2 km Run, the Half Marathon, and the Full Marathon the following day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n