Challenging Altitude Yet Strong Finish: Ladakh Marathon Recap

In Ladakh, more than 8,000 runners gathered for one of the most demanding marathons in the region. Mumbai’s Nikhil Singh clinched the top spot with a time of 2 hours, 44 minutes and 40 seconds. Singh recounted his first experience in the high‑altitude desert as both pleasant and unforgettable. The team’s arrival nine to ten days ahead meant they initially struggled with the sudden jump to about 3,200 metres, but after a brief period of acclimatization they were able to train effectively. He lauded the race’s route support, describing the scenery as “beyond words.” The course featured a tough six‑kilometre uphill segment at the beginning, a relatively easier middle, and another demanding stretch toward the finish. Singh’s performance, he said, was strong considering the altitude, though his personal best remains 2:22 from sea‑level events.