The Pangong lake is a crowned alpine beauty in Ladakh. Thanks to the Bollywood super hit ‘3 Idiots’, it has now gained a long line of visitors. However, on 21st of February 2023 a unique set of visitors made an appearance for a unique event. The event was the World’s Highest Frozen Lake Marathon that made it to the Guinness World records.
The Pangong lake India hosted its First-ever Frozen Lake Half Marathon- The ‘LAST RUN’. The marathon was properly inspected and arranged by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) in collaboration with Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, Tourism Department, Ladakh and Leh district administration. The ‘name’ aimed to create awareness for climate change and the urgent need to save the Himalayas.
The temperature drops to -30°C freezing the lake during winters. But even this couldn’t stop people running the exotic lake with shared borders to India and China. Over 75 global participants took part in this half-marathon at 13,861.5 ft. Above the sea level. The 21.9-kilometer half-marathon began from Lukung village and ended in Maan village.
The Winners!
Rigzen Gyurmeth (Bib No. 139), Muneeb (Bib No. 147), and Arshad (164) won the men’s division with times of 1:54:24, 1:59:03, and 2:00:19, respectively.
In the women’s category, Tsering Zangmo (175) finished the marathon in 2:38:40, Padma Rigzin (177) finished in 2:46:57, and Chuskit Angmo (195) finished in 3:00:22.
Promoting Winter Tourism in Ladakh
“The first Pangong frozen lake half marathon has now been officially registered in the Guinness Book of World Records,” said Mr. Suse.
He stated that, in addition to spreading the message of environmental awareness among stakeholders through sports, the marathon aimed to promote sustainable winter tourism in border villages of eastern Ladakh. They attempted to generate livelihood opportunities for residents through such events as part of the Central Government’s “vibrant village” programme.
Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC (Leh), green signaled the run. Along the route, five energy stations with energy drinks, medical teams, and oxygen support, as well as mobile ambulances, were set up.
According to the district development commissioner, all participants received six days of acclimatization – four days in Leh and two days in Pangong – in accordance with the district administration’s SOPs. Participants were also subjected to a medical examination to ensure that they were physically fit to run.
Mr. Suse stated that all medical centers along the route were equipped with trained personnel and equipment to handle any medical emergencies. The Indian Army and ITBP provided active medical and logistical support to the event.
Personnel from the Union Territory Disaster Response Force and the Ladakh Mountain Guide Association were stationed along the route to ensure the runners’ safety. According to the officer, the route was chosen after a thorough inspection and consideration of the size of the frozen layer of ice.
Mr. Suse mentioned that all the participants were strictly advised to wear safety gears. Only then were they allowed to run for the marathon on ice. This is to avoid slipping on ice while they are running.
Following the event’s successful conclusion, the runners were awarded medals and certificates, as well as cash prizes for first, second, and third place finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories.
He stated that the event was recorded as the ‘Highest Altitude Frozen Half Marathon,’ and that a certificate was presented to LAHDC Leh and ASFL on the occasion by Guinness officials.
“Congratulations on breaking the world record. “Truly a successful event inspired by Prime Minister @narendramodi’s #VibrantVillages Programme for border regions,” Mr. Gyalson said on Twitter.
