The Union Territory of Ladhak made history by completing its first 21-kilometer trail race in subfreezing conditions at the 13,862 foot-high Pangong Tso, which was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest frozen lake half marathon.Spread across the border of India and China, the 700-square kilometre Pangong Lake records a temperature of minus 30 degrees Celsius during winter, making the salt water lake frozen with ice.Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, the Leh District Development Commissioner, said that none of the 75 competitors were hurt during the four-hour marathon that took place on Monday from Lukung to Maan village.The theme of the marathon was “The Last Run: a leap towards saving our glaciers” saw the participation in large numbers from India as well as other countries. the people who had registered for the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon were enthralled by the event.The Deputy Commissioner of Leh said, “Seventy-five athletes were selected from India and other countries who participated in the marathon and they were thrilled to participate in the event.”The marathon started at Lukung and culminated in Mann Village. Huge crowds from all around the district came to watch the inaugural Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon. They cheered on the competitors, causing the area to come alive with the excitement of the race.The Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh organised this frozen lake marathon in cooperation with LAHDC. The first of its kind marathon was an effort to break the record for the highest marathon on a frozen lake.The Deputy Commissioner added, “This was a fantastic chance to add something to Guinness World Records. At such a height, it was undoubtedly the most advanced marathon yet. LAHDC Leh and the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh have made all necessary arrangements to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the marathon.”Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Chairman-CEC, expressed his gratitude for the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakhs efforts in making this huge event a success. To draw attention to the problems of climate change and environmental deterioration, the marathon was dubbed “The Last Run”. He said that the participants were allowed to run only after wearing safety gears to avoid slipping on ice.Union Territory Disaster Response Force personnel and Ladhak mountain guide association personnel were deployed along the entire route to ensure the safety of the runners. As per information, the route for the marathon was decided after the proper inspection and the size of the frozen layer of ice. There was an active support from Indian Army and ITBP personnel in terms of medical and logistics to tackle any medical emergencies.After the successful completion of the marathon, the runners up were facilitated with the medals and the certificates, with cash prize also for first, second and third positions for men and women, both.The event was recorded as Highest Altitude Frozen Half Marathon and the certificate was also issued by Guinness Book of World Records on the occasion.Upcoming Sports event in Ladhak:Ice wall climbing competition 2023 to be heldThe second Nurbu Wangdus Memorial Ice Wall Climbing Competition-2023 will take place at Gangles from February 27 to March 1. The North West Frontier, ITBPF is organising the competition in cooperation with the Ladakh Mountain Guide Association.The goals are to increase high altitude sports and tourism in Ladhak, encourage participation from across the nation, improve skills, develop potential, provide future mountaineers with a platform, and develop a strong talent pool for the winter Olympics. Additionally, it aims to instill a sense of cohesion and faith in the ITBP Force among Ladhaks residents as well as to motivate the regions youth.
