Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Leh, Aug 8: Official Jersey launch event was honorued by Chairman/CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson,LAHDC ,Leh who was the chief guest and ADGP, Dr. S.D Singh Jamwal was the guest of honour at the launch event.
The event was also graced by Dy. Chairman, LAHDC, Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Secretary, Tourism, Ladakh, Vikram Singh Malik; Deputy Commissioner/CEO, Santosh Sukhadeve; SSP, Leh, Shruti Arora; Founder and Race Director, Ladakh Marathon, Chewang Motup Goba; Air Force Officers; Managing Director, the Grand Dragon, Ladakh, Ghulam Mustafa and all concerned dignitaries.
The Ladakh Marathon is set to return for its 11th edition from September 5th to 8th, 2024. This year’s marathon will feature 6,218 runners from around the globe competing across six categories.
The official Race Day Tee (RDT) for the marathon has been launched. The vibrant T-shirts, available in Glowing Red and Yellow Alert, will be distributed to 6,000 participants. PUMA India, the official sportswear partner, will also provide performance gear.
Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Running is rapidly growing globally, and PUMA is committed to supporting this trend”.
The Ladakh Marathon is renowned for its challenging courses, particularly the Silk Route Ultra, a 122-kilometer race that ascends from Nubra Valley at 10,700 feet to Khardungla Pass at 17,618 feet, higher than Everest Base Camp. This year, 68 elite ultra-runners will tackle this formidable challenge, with less than 50% historically completing it. The Khardungla Challenge will see a record 311 participants, including 40 women, highlighting the marathon’s expanding global appeal.In addition to the ultra-distance events, the marathon offers a range of distances to accommodate various runners.
Shri Chewang Motup, Founder and Race Director of the Ladakh Marathon, commented, “The evolution of the Ladakh Marathon into a major event is inspiring. We are proud to see Ladakhi runners rise to prominence, representing India internationally and excelling in various marathons.”
In support of this iconic event, Chairman/CEC Tashi Gyalson, LAHDC,Leh praised and congratulated on the launch of the marathon’s official T shirt. He emphasized Ladakh’s growing global impact and its reputation as a prestigious and challenging marathon. Further, H’CEC also highlighted his personal commitment to the marathon, noting his participation in the 11.5 km event and expressing his intention to run again. The LAHDC and UT administration remain dedicated to providing comprehensive support for the marathon.