Ladakh's Frozen Lake Marathon Sets World Record at 13,862 Feet

Runners crossed the finish line of history's highest frozen lake marathon this week, completing 21 kilometers across a Himalayan lake at 13,862 feet above sea level.

The "Last Run" half marathon took place on Pangong Tso, a massive saltwater lake that stretches across the India-China border in Ladakh. Winter temperatures there plunge to minus 30 degrees Celsius, turning the 700-square-kilometer lake into a solid sheet of ice.

All 75 participants finished the four-hour course from Lukung to Maan village without a single injury. Guinness World Records officials were on site to certify the achievement as the world's highest altitude frozen half marathon.

Safety was paramount for this first-of-its-kind event. Runners spent six days acclimatizing to the thin mountain air, four days in Leh and two at Pangong Lake itself. Medical teams screened every participant before the race to ensure they could handle the extreme conditions.

Five energy stations lined the route, stocked with drinks, oxygen support, and mobile ambulances. The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police provided medical backup while disaster response teams monitored the ice thickness and positioned themselves along the course. Runners wore special safety equipment to prevent slipping on the frozen surface.

The Ripple Effect

This marathon accomplished something bigger than athletic achievement. The event was designed to bring sustainable winter tourism to remote border villages, creating jobs for local residents during the coldest months when work typically dries up.

The race name carries a powerful message about climate change. "Last Run" reminds participants and spectators that these frozen landscapes are vulnerable, and the Himalayas need protection. Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh partnered with local government to spread ecological awareness through sport.

The event supports India's Vibrant Village Programme, a national initiative to develop border communities. By attracting visitors during winter, these remote areas gain economic opportunities that help families stay in their ancestral homes year-round.

Winners received medals, certificates, and cash prizes in both men's and women's categories. But every finisher walked away with something more valuable: proof that communities can create opportunity while honoring their environment.

This frozen marathon shows how sports can lift up entire regions while protecting the natural wonders that make them special.