SRINAGAR: The 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon is set to offer a record prize purse of Rs 1 crore, marking a major expansion of one of the world’s highest-altitude endurance sporting events.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, today launched the official jersey for the 13th edition of the marathon, formally setting the event in motion.
The enhanced prize pool has triggered a sharp rise in participation, with registrations reaching nearly 10,000 runners, compared with 6,521 participants last year. The increase of nearly 53 per cent underscores the growing appeal of the Ladakh Marathon among athletes from India and abroad.
The administration said the increase in prize money reflects its commitment to promoting sports and greater youth engagement in the Union Territory. The growing participation is also expected to strengthen Ladakh’s position as a destination for adventure and endurance tourism.
Speaking at the jersey launch, Saxena described the marathon as more than a sporting competition, saying it represents Ladakh’s resilience, cultural vibrancy and natural environment. He emphasised its potential to provide local youth with a platform to demonstrate their sporting abilities while strengthening Ladakh’s identity as a centre for adventure sports.
The Ladakh Marathon, held at exceptionally high altitude, has emerged as a distinctive fixture on the international endurance-sport calendar. Its combination of extreme altitude, challenging terrain and Ladakh’s distinctive landscape has helped attract runners seeking both competitive and adventure experiences.
The administration said its broader objective is to develop Ladakh as a centre of sporting excellence while ensuring that major events contribute to community development, environmental awareness and the promotion of the region’s cultural heritage.
With nearly 10,000 runners registered and the prize purse raised to Rs 1 crore, this year’s marathon is expected to be the biggest edition of the event so far, bringing together athletes, visitors and local communities in what the administration described as a celebration of endurance, unity and Ladakh’s sporting identity.
