There are marathons, and then there is the Ladakh Marathon. Touted by the organisers to be the highest and amongst the toughest marathons comprising two ultra races – the 72-km Khardung La Challenge (5370 m) — the world’s highest ultra marathon — and the 122-km Silk Route Ultra — the ‘epitome of high-altitude running testing the limits of human endurance’.
Back after two years, the marathon will be held from September 7 to 11. Marathon runners in Bengaluru are training hard for the event.
Asif Ahmed, 37, an IT professional, said acclimatising to the climate and altitude is a necessity. He is focusing on training in the hills and is travelling to Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, and increasing the mileage gradually. “If someone is a seasoned runner or ultra distance runner, six months training is enough,” he said, but added that ‘Ladakh is more difficult because of the altitude, temperature, and harsh weather’.
