8th Ladakh Marathon concludes
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
LEH, Sept 8: Over 5000 participants from different parts of the world representing 26 countries took part in the 8th edition of Ladakh Marathon which concluded today.
The Marathon was divided in two days event with world highest Marathon Khardongla Challenge (72 km) held on Friday followed by today’s event held in three categories of Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km) and Run of Fun (7 km).
Recognised by Association of International Marathon and Distant Races (AIMS), the Marathon, Ladakh annual mega sports event was organised by a local Tour operator Rimo Expedition with the support of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, J&K Police, Indian Army and The Grand Dragon Ladakh.
After becoming a full member of AIMS since 2015, Ladakh Marathon has earned a place on the Global Marathon calendar, enabling Ladakh to foster and promote distance running.
Full Marathon of 42 Km long distance was flagged off today morning by Hill Council Chairman Gyal P Wangyal in presence of Additional District Development Commissioner Moses Kunzang, half Marathon of 21 kilometer was flagged off by DGP Dilbag Singh in presence of Hill Council Chairman while the 7 Kilometer “Run for Fun” mostly participated by school children was flagged off by GOC 41 Corps Lieutenant General YK Joshi. Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Leh Sachin Kumar Viashya, Former Deputy Commissioner Leh Anvy Lavasa and many district officers also took part in the Half Marathon.
Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC) clinched all the top three position of the world highest Khardongla Challenge of 8th edition of Ladakh Marathon. Covering a distance of 72 km long run from Khardong village to Leh city in 06:53:34, Shabir got the first position followed by Stanzin Norboo with 06:53:39 timing stood on second position while Rigzin Norboo stood on third position with timing of 06:54:31. Total 170 runners were registered for the Khardongla Challenge out of which only 152 runners participated in the race and only 120 runners finished the challenge.
In the Full Marathon women category, Jigmet Dolma of Egoo village clinched the top position for the third consecutive year, followed by Tsetan Dolkar of Lamayuru village stood second and Namgyal Lhamo of Dhomkhar village stood on third position. In the men category, Shabir Hussain stood first position, Jigmet Nurboo clinched second position and Manzoor Hussain bagged third position.
In the Half Marathon women category, Tashi Ladol stood first, while Stanzin Chondol got second and Diskit Dolma claimed third position.
Talking to media persons, Founder Director Rimo Expeditions, Chewang Motup Goba informed that nearly 5500 participants from 26 countries with maximum number of runners from Japan with 40 participants and 27 States from the Nation participated in the 8th edition of Ladakh Marathon.
Motup also said that winners of the Ladakh Marathon runners are given opportunity to participate in the all Marathon held across the Nation with proper training and guidance and said that this time there is fewer participants from locals.
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