Guinness World Record set in Ladakh after successful completion of world’s highest frozen lake marathon

Ladakh in India set an incredible Guinness Book world record after hosting the world’s highest frozen lake marathon at the Pangong Tso lake at an altitude of 4,350 meters above the mean sea level.

Ladakh was the host of a very unique event in India on Monday. The country’s first marathon on frozen lake was held here on February 20 and it has also been registered as an official Guinness Book world record.

The half-marathon was held at the world-famous and scening Pangong Tso lake and it now holds the record for being the world’s highest frozen lake marathon at an at an altitude of 4,350 meters above the mean sea level.

The marathon consisted a 21km-long trail in sub-zero weather conditions through the lake situated at a height of 13,862 feet. The Pangong Tso lake is spread over an area of 700 square kilometer across the border of India and China and it has become a very popular tourist destination.

The lake ends up recording a temperature of minus 30 degrees Celsius during winter, making the salt water lake frozen with ice.

It goes without saying that it is the toughest and most arduous marathon challenge held in India till date because of the remote location as well as the altitude which makes breathing difficult.

The marathon, named ‘The Last Run’ with the aim of raising awareness about climate change as well as promote winter and border tourism, lasted four hours.

It began at the Lukung village and ended at the Maan village on Monday and the Leh District Development Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse also told PTI that no injury was reported to any of the 75 people who took part in this marathon.

“The first Pangong frozen lake half marathon is now officially registered in the Guinness book of world records,” Suse further added.

Chief Executive Councilor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council  Tashi Gyalson was present on the occasion of celebration of recognition in the world Guinness Book of Records. Executive  Councilor  Tashi Yakzee, Duty Commissioner  Leh Shrikant Suse and Army and defence personnel were also present among the dignitaries.

Gyalson flagged off the run and safety was the priority. As such, five energy stations were set up along the way which consisted of energy drinks, medical teams, oxygen support as well as mobile ambulances in case of any emergency.

All the participants were subjected to a six-day acclimatisation programme - four days in Leh and two days in Pangong - in order to give the body the time to get used to breathing at those altitudes. The participants were also medically checked in order to assess whether they were fit enough to run the marathon. They were also allowed to run only after wearing safety equipment to avoid slipping on ice.

At the end of the marathon, the runners were felicitated with medals and certificates. Cash prizes were also awarded to those who finished first, second, and third in both the men’s and women’s categories.