Record-Breaking Performances at the 2026 Ladakh Marathon

The 2026 Ladakh Marathon witnessed extraordinary performances, with Nawang Tsering setting a record in the Silk Route Ultra. This event attracted over 7,200 participants from around the globe, showcasing the spirit of endurance running at high altitudes. With various categories, including veteran races, the marathon emphasizes both athletic achievement and environmental responsibility. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories and remarkable feats from this year's event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 13, 2026, 17:43 IST

Nawang Tsering's Historic Win

Nawang Tsering from Ladakh achieved a remarkable feat at the 13th Ladakh Marathon, clinching victory in the 122 km Silk Route Ultra with a time of 12:12:18. The challenging course begins in Kyagar village, located in Nubra Valley at an altitude of around 10,700 feet, ascends to 17,618 feet at Khardung La, and concludes in Leh. Suraj Meena from Rajasthan secured second place, finishing in 12:35:00, setting a new record for the fastest non-Ladakhi runner. Tenzin Dolma triumphed in the women's category, completing the race in 14:26:29, as reported by the Ladakh Marathon press release.

Nawang's Endurance and International Recognition

A three-time winner of the Ladakh Full Marathon, Nawang has emerged as one of India's top endurance runners at high altitudes and is gaining recognition on the global trail-running stage. He participated in the CCC HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc in 2025 and entered this year's Silk Route Ultra with a solid background in long-distance mountain racing. Following him on the podium was Rigzin Gyurmeth, who finished third in 12:51:21. In the women's race, Tenzin was followed by Sufiya Sufi Runner in 17:42:08 and Aditi Chaudhary in 19:21:18. Sufiya, a five-time Guinness World Record holder known for her run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, added another significant achievement to her career.

Khardung La Challenge Results

In the 72 km Khardung La Challenge, Jigmet Stobdan emerged victorious in the men's category with a record time of 6:00:03, followed by Shabir Hussain in 6:26:24 and Singay Angchok in 6:34:12. Disket Dolma led the women's race, finishing in 7:03:26, ahead of Jigmet Dolma in 8:33:16 and Neha Devi in 8:56:15.

Celebrating Human Achievement

Chewang Motup Goba, the founder and Race Director of the Ladakh Marathon, praised the winners and all participants, stating, "What these runners have accomplished today is a remarkable human achievement. The distances are challenging, but at this altitude, the difficulty extends beyond just the distance. I commend all the winners and every runner who made it to the finish line; each finish is a significant accomplishment at these heights."

Veteran Runners Excel

In the veteran category, Pawan Dhaka won the men's Silk Route Ultra with a time of 16:10:17, followed by Maik Becker in 18:15:37 and Shivanand Dangwal in 18:30:22. Asha Singh was the only winner in the women's veteran category, completing her race in 21:15:45.

Khardung La Challenge Veteran Results

In the veteran section of the Khardung La Challenge, Konrad Von Allmen took the men's title with a time of 7:44:09, followed by Rajinder Singh Bharaj in 10:19:45 and Shivendra Singh Bisht in 10:32:24. Pooja Varma won the women's veteran race in 11:19:03, with Rita Satich Patkar in 12:26:58 and Richika Goyal in 12:41:52.

Overview of the Ladakh Marathon

The 2026 Ladakh Marathon attracted over 7,200 registered participants from 35 of India's 36 states and Union Territories, as well as from more than 28 countries across all six inhabited continents. Organized by Rimo Expeditions and the High Altitude Sports Foundation, Ladakh, this four-day event features six races, including the 122 km Silk Route Ultra and the 72 km Khardung La Challenge.

Recognized as the world's highest AIMS-certified marathon and an Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group Qualifier, the Ladakh Marathon has evolved since its inception in 2012 into one of India's most unique international distance-running events. The marathon emphasizes both the race experience and the responsibility of hosting it in the delicate Trans-Himalayan environment. Since 2019, single-use plastics have been banned at race venues, and the junior race program promotes environmental awareness by encouraging schoolchildren to collect PET bottles as part of their participation.

Complete List of Winners

Silk Route Ultra

Open Male: 1) Nawang Tsering; 12:12:18 2) Suraj Meena; 12:35:00 3) Rigzin Gyurmeth; 12:51:21

Open Female: 1) Tenzing Dolma; 14:26:29 2) Sufiya Sufi Runner; 17:42:08 3) Aditi Chaudhary; 19:21:18

Veteran Male: 1) Pawan Dhaka; 16:10:17 2) Maik Becker; 18:15:37 3) Shivanand Dangwal; 18:30:22

Veteran Female: 1) Asha Singh; 21:15:45

Khardung La Challenge

Open Male: 1) Jigmet Stobdan; 6:00:03 2) Shabir Hussain; 6:26:24 3) Singay Angchok; 6:34:12

Open Female: 1) Disket Dolma; 7:03:26 2) Jigmet Dolma; 8:33:16 3) Neha Devi; 8:56:15

Veteran Male: 1) Konrad Von Allmen; 7:44:09 2) Rajinder Singh Bharaj; 10:19:45 3) Shivendra Singh Bisht; 10:32:24

Veteran Female: 1) Pooja Varma; 11:19:03 2) Rita Satich Patkar; 12:26:58 3) Richika Goyal; 12:41:52.