Ladakh Marathon 2026

Ladakh Marathon, hailed as the “World’s Highest Marathon,” is more than just a grueling test of endurance at altitudes ranging from 11,500 to 17,618 feet. Established in 2012 to celebrate the resilience of Ladakhis following the devastating 2010 flash floods, it has grown into a global event that fundamentally reshapes the region’s economic and environmental landscape.

Ladakh Marathon transcends the confines of a traditional running event, emerging as a beacon of endurance, spirit, and breathtaking beauty. Since its inception, this marathon has garnered international acclaim, becoming one of the most prestigious high altitude running events in the world.

Athletes from diverse backgrounds and geographies converge here, drawn not only by the challenge of high-altitude racing but also by the opportunity to experience the unparalleled cultural richness and stunning landscapes of Ladakh.

Ladakh Marathon Event Date: 10th – 13th September 2026

Ladakh Marathon Routes

• 5km Run For Fun: 5km run is the shortest race and has attracted the widest participation among runners across different age groups and genders. This race is particularly for fun and is open to everyone ranging from students to elders, armed forces and families stationed at Leh, and tourists who happen to be in Leh during the marathon time.
• 11.2 km Run: 11.2km Run is a loop that starts and ends at the NDS Memorial Stadium grounds. Running this 11.2km race will surely help you prepare for the other challenging races of Ladakh Marathon.
• Half Marathon: 21.0975km Half Marathon takes you through the outskirts of Leh and includes a loop that starts and ends at the NDS Memorial Stadium grounds. If you are not ready for the full marathon yet then running the half marathon first helps you prepare for the marathon. The beautiful race course is known for being particularly tough, despite being comparably shorter than the full marathon.
• Marathon: Running a Marathon is itself a challenge but running the LADAKH MARATHON (42.195km) is even a greater challenge. A tough race at a high altitude, the Ladakh Marathon is not for those with no experience in running marathons but for those who have had dedicated themselves to several months of training. Individuals new to running should begin with a shorter distance and then move up. If you are a serious long distance runner this will be one race that will be a “must do” and one that you will always remember and be talking about for a long time to come.
• Khardung La Challenge: Khardung La Challenge (72km) is the highest Ultra Marathon in the World. This race is amongst the Toughest and Ultimate Challenging Endurance Race for the serious runner who wants to push his or her limits to the extreme. This race is Only for the fittest and very experienced runners. The harsh conditions makes this extremely tough as you will be running approximately 60km of the race at above 4000m (14,000ft)
• Silk Route Ultra: The ancient ‘Silk Route’ across the Karakoram pass connected North West India with Central Asia from Yarkhand, Kashgar and Turkestan. This route was strategically important and one of the longest trade routes in ancient time. It was not only an exchange of commodities but also a cultural exchange of customs that took place till the mid 20th century as this is seen in the rich cultural heritage that Ladakh has to offer. As this famous Silk route passed through the Nubra Valley (Ldumra – the valley of flowers), this race has been aptly name the Silk Route Ultra.

Ladakh Marathon Age Eligibility

Age eligibility as on 13th september 2026 for various races is:

• 5km Run for Fun: 12 years
• 11.2km Run: 14 years
• Half Marathon (21.0975km): 16 years
• Marathon (42.195km): 18 years
• Khardung La Challenge (72km): 20 years
• Silk Route Ultra (122km): 24 years
• Veterans (all races): 52 years

Ladakh Marathon Eligibility Period

Eligible/qualifying races for the 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon should have been completed between 5th September 2024 and 23rd March 2026, and at least one race must be after 1st January 2025 as per criteria.

Ladakh Marathon Bib Collection

It is mandatory to collect your BIBs in person as per dates given below:

• Silk Route Ultra (122km) – Saturday 29th August and Sunday 30th August 2026
• Khardungla Challenge (72km) – Saturday 29th August and Sunday 30th August 2026
• Marathon (42km) – Saturday 5th September and Sunday 6th September 2026
• Half Marathon (21km) – Saturday 5th September and Sunday 6th September 2026
• 11.2km Run – Saturday 5th September and Sunday 6th September 2026
• 5km Run for Fun – Saturday 5th September and Sunday 6th September 2026

NO BIBs WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE DATES MENTIONED BELOW.

Ladakh Marathon Eligibility/Qualification Notes

The following eligibility criteria are mandatory for all participants of all races, except the 5km Run for Fun which is not a timed race. All entries will be screened and if you do not fulfil the requirement, the event organiser has the right to reject your application.

• It is mandatory for all participants to collect running bib in person. Please schedule your travel plan and itinerary as per BIB collection dates.
• To ensure the safety of all participants, running bibs will not be issued to anyone other than the registered participant. Additionally, no authority letters will be accepted for this purpose. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity of the event and to help us provide a secure environment for everyone involved.
• If any participant is found wearing another participants’ BIB, he/she will be disqualified and not allowed future participation in the Ladakh Marathon.
• Eligible/qualifying races for the 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon should have been completed between 5th September 2024 and 23rd March 2026, and at least one race must be after 1st January 2025 as per criteria.
• Stadium races do not count as qualifying races.
• 24-Hour races do not count as qualifying races.
• Virtual Races do not count as qualifying races.
• Personal timings recorded using Garmin/Strava etc do not count.

Ladakh Marathon Eligibility Period

Eligible/qualifying races for ladakh marathon should have been completed between 5th september 2024 and 23rd march 2026, and at least one race must be after 1st january 2025 as per criteria.

Ladakh Marathon 11.2KM Run

Participant must have completed EITHER two 10km races under 1 hour 45 minutes within the eligibility period (at least one race after 1st January 2025) OR one Half Marathon under 3hrs 30 minutes after 1st January 2025.

Ladakh Marathon Half Marathon

1. Participant must have completed EITHER one Half Marathon under 3 hours within the eligibility period OR two 10km races under 1 hour 30 minutes within the eligibility period (at least one race after 1st January 2025).
2. Finisher of 2025 Ladakh 11.2km Run is eligible to register for Half Marathon.
3. Finisher of previous years Ladakh Marathon (2022 onwards) – 42km Marathon, 21km Half Marathon.

Ladakh Marathon Marathon

1. Participant must have completed EITHER one Marathon under 6hrs after 1st January 2025 OR two Half Marathons under 3hrs within the eligibility period (at least one race after 1st January 2025).
2. Finisher of 2025 Ladakh Marathon – 21km or 42km – is eligible to register for Marathon.
3. Finisher of previous years Ladakh Marathon (2022 onwards) – Marathon/Half Marathon AND having one Marathon under 6 hours/one Half Marathon under 3 hours after 1st January 2025.

Ladakh Marathon Ultra Races: The Silk Route Ultra & Khardung la Challenge are amongst the toughest and highest Ultra Marathons in the world with Oxygen dropping to 50% at Khardung la top (17,618ft). Acclimatisation is of utmost importance for these races. Acclimatisation is your body’s adaptation to the altitude and is NOT DETERMINED BY INDIVIDUAL FITNESS LEVELS. Running these two ultras without proper acclimatisation could be fatal. Event organiser will NOT ALLOW any participant(s) whose vitals are not found to be normal during the medical check-up at start point(s) – Kyagar Village for SRU and Khardung Village for KC.

The Ultra races, 122km Silk Route Ultra and 72km Khardung la Challenge, will be conducted as per rules and guidelines laid by the event organiser. All decisions pertaining to these two races will be made by the Race Director which will be final and binding.

It is mandatory that you arrive in Leh minimum of 15 days ahead for these races and collect your running bib in person at the Ladakh Marathon EXPO on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 2026. (NO BIBs WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE BIB COLLECTION DATES). Please respect our rules and regulations which have been made keeping your safety in mind. A mandatory equipment list will be sent to all the participants of these two ultra races to bring.

Ladakh Marathon Khardungla Challenge (72km)

Participant(s) who fulfil any one option listed below is eligible to APPLY for this race with a non-refundable application fee of Rs 3,000. Before submitting the application ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, provide true, accurate, current, and complete information as requested in the application form. Application will not be accepted if an applicant knowingly submits false information.

1. Finisher of 2025 Ladakh Marathon (42km) under 6hrs OR Khardung la Challenge (72km).
2. Finisher of previous years (2022 onwards) Ladakh Marathon (42km) under 6hrs AND one Full Marathon under 5hrs after 1st January 2025.
3. Finisher of EITHER two 75km Ultra Marathons under 10hrs within the eligibility period (at least one after 1st January 2025) OR two Ultra Marathons above 75km with a pace of minimum 7km/hr (at least one after 1st January 2025).
4. Ultra Trail races with 8 ITRA points from two races (at least one after 1st January 2025).
5. Finisher of a Full Marathon under 5hrs AND a 50km Ultra Marathon under 6hrs within the eligibility period (at least one after 1st January 2025).
6. Finisher of Khardung la Challenge of previous years (2022 onwards).
7. DNF of previous years Khardung la Challenge (2022 onwards) who have attained stage II within cut-off AND a Full Marathon under 5hrs after 1st January 2025.
8. DNF of previous years Silk Route Ultra.

Ladakh Marathon Silk Route Ultra (122km)

Participant(s) who fulfil any one option listed below is eligible to APPLY for this race with a non-refundable application fee of Rs 3,000. Before submitting the application ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, provide true, accurate, current, and complete information as requested in the application form. Application will not be accepted if an applicant knowingly submits false information.

1. Finisher of 2025 Khardung la Challenge under 13 hours.
2. Finisher of 2025 Silk Route Ultra.
3. Previous years finishers of Silk Route Ultra AND 100 miles under 24hrs OR 100km under 14hrs after 1st January 2025.
4. Finisher of Khardung la Challenge of previous years (2022 onwards) under 13 hours AND having an Ultra Marathon of 100km under 14hrs after 1st January 2025.
5. Finisher of Khardung la Challenge of previous years (2022 onwards) under 13 hours AND having 10 ITRA points from two races within the eligibility period (at least one after 1st January 2025).
6. DNF participants of SRU 2024 and 2025, but having crossed the Khardung Village 2nd stage within the cut-off time.

Application will be confirmed once documents submitted towards eligibility criteria have been verified within 15 working days, after which payment link will be shared for balance registration fee which is payable within 15 days of receipt of payment link.

Event organiser reserves the right to disallow / disqualify any participant who is known or suspected to be physically unfit to participate in this race. Please note that the number of participants to this race is restricted to a maximum of 100.