India's first frozen lake marathon to take place in Ladakh, dubbed “Last Run”

Leh: India's first frozen-lake marathon will be held at Ladakh's Pangong Tso on February 20. It is at a height of 13,862 feet.

It is being called the "Last Run" to highlight the issue of climate change. "All necessary arrangements have been worked out for the success of this challenging event being organised with a message of sustainable development and carbon neutral Ladakh," said District Development Commissioner of Leh, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse.

ASFL founder Chamba Tsetan said the event is meant to give a message to the world about the "rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers due to global climatic change". "If you are really an environment enthusiast or adventure lover, this trip is for you...we are also attempting to set the Guinness world record for the world highest frozen-lake marathon," he said.

The 700 square metre Pangong Lake is along the border of India and China. It records a temperature of -30 degrees Celsius in winter. The saltwater lake is frozen and tourists mostly visit the area for Chadar Trek (in Zanskar) and snow leopard sightings.

The organisers are hoping that the event will help promote tourism in other parts, especially in the Changthang region. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Vibrant Village Scheme" will help develop habitats along the Line of Actual Control through tourism opportunities," added Suse.

The marathon covers 21-kilometres. It starts from Lukung and ends in Maan village. 75 selected athletes from India and abroad are participating in the run. They also stand a chance at winning the Guinness world record for the world's highest "frozen-lake marathon".

"The select group of 75 athletes, including 50 from outside Ladakh. Four international runners besides local athletes who have represented the region at the national level are taking part in the marathon. We have devised a standard operating procedure (SOP) which will be strictly followed. Participants not from Ladakh have to undergo mandatory acclimatisation, including a three to four days stay in Leh, to overcome high-altitude sickness," added the official.

"The participants will be subjected to medical checkup one day prior to the event, while the whole 21-km stretch will be covered by medical teams. We are also prepared for air evacuation in case a need arises," he added.

The event is being organised by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Leh, the Tourism Department, and the Leh district administration. A senior government official said the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has been roped in to implement a "proper action plan" for the event.