Leh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday felicitated the winners of the Silk Route Ultra and Khardung La Challenge, two marquee endurance races held as part of the 13th Ladakh Marathon.
A total of 477 ultra-runners participated in the 122-km Silk Route Ultra and 72-km Khardung La Challenge, navigating Ladakh’s challenging high-altitude terrain.
In the Silk Route Ultra, Nawang Tsering of Ladakh Police emerged victorious with a timing of 12 hours, 12 minutes and 18 seconds, winning the top prize of ₹5 lakh. Suraj Meena of Rajasthan finished second, while Rigzen Gyurmeth of 2 Ladakh Scouts secured third place.
The Khardung La Challenge was won by Jigmet Stobdan of Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC). Shabir Hussain of LSRC finished second, while Singay Angchok of 2 Ladakh Scouts claimed third position.
The four-day marathon, being held from September 10 to 13, has attracted around 7,500 runners from across India and abroad. Organisers said the event, recognised as the world’s highest AIMS-certified marathon, is expected to generate significant tourism activity and contribute up to ₹47 crore to Ladakh’s local economy.
Congratulating the participants, the Lieutenant Governor said the growing popularity of the ultra races reflects Ladakh’s potential as a premier destination for high-altitude sports and adventure tourism. He also praised the event’s adherence to a zero-single-use-plastic policy and its focus on sustainable tourism.
