The 42 km race, which began and ended at Leh\u2019s NDS Stadium, drew a strong field as part of an edition that welcomed 6,600 runners from across India\u2019s states and Union Territories, along with participants from more than 30 countries. As World Marathon Majors qualifier, the Ladakh Marathon also offered athletes the chance to book their spot at the 2026 WMM Wanda World Age Group Championship, provided they met qualifying standards in their respective categories.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rita Satish Patkar delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, becoming the rare runner to claim victories in both the Khardung La Challenge and the full marathon within just two days; the Bengalurean finished top in the veteran female category of both races. In the Half Marathon on Sunday, Tsetan Namgail took top honours in the men\u2019s race with a time of 1:13:10, while Stanzin Dolkar led the women\u2019s field, finishing in 1:30:14.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chief Guest Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, led the ceremonial proceedings in the aftermath of the races at the NDS Stadium, distributing medals, trophies, and prize money to the respective winners.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on the occasion, she said, \u201cThe Ladakh Marathon has grown from just 1,200 participants 12 years ago to over 6,500 runners today, representing every state, UT, and more than 30 countries. It is heartening to see veteran athletes, who have won accolades across the world, choosing to run here in Ladakh. This growth has been possible because of the vision of Chewang Motup and his team, and the support of our sponsors and partners, especially LAHDC (Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council), whose contributions have enabled us to host an event of this scale. My congratulations to all the runners, and I look forward to welcoming you back with an even larger group next year.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the 11.2 km category, Skarma Idong Lanzes clinched the women\u2019s open title with a time of 47 minutes and 30 seconds, while Sonam Stanzin took top honours in the men\u2019s section, crossing the line in 42 minutes and 39 seconds. He finished just 10 seconds clear of runner-up Furboo Tundup, making it one of the closest contests of the edition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants who made the 12th edition of the Ladakh Marathon so memorable. This year\u2019s record-breaking participation has reinforced the event\u2019s place as one of India\u2019s premier running competitions, while also showcasing its growing international stature. With every edition, we are not just celebrating endurance and resilience but also taking firm steps toward establishing the Ladakh Marathon among the top global races,\u201d added Chewang Motup Goba, Chairperson of High Altitude Sports Foundation, founder and organiser of the Ladakh Marathon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the 11.2 km category, Skarma Idong Lanzes clinched the women\u2019s open title with a time of 47 minutes and 30 seconds, while Sonam Stanzin took top honours in the men\u2019s section, crossing the line in 42 minutes and 39 seconds. He finished just 10 seconds clear of runner-up Furboo Tundup, making it one of the closest contests of the edition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier on Friday, five-time Guinness World Record holder Sufiya Sufi and Ladakh Scouts\u2019 Tsewang Kundan emerged as champions of the Silk Route Ultra, the centrepiece of the 12th Ladakh Marathon. Shabir Hussain and Namgyal Lhamo topped the men\u2019s and women\u2019s standings, respectively, in the gruelling Khardung La Challenge (72 km).<\/p>\r\n\r\n