Leh, Feb 25: The fourth edition of the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon concluded on Wednesday on the frozen expanse of Pangong Tso, bringing together 460 runners from across India and overseas for one of the world’s highest and most demanding ice races.
Held at an altitude of 14,272 feet above sea level, the two day event from February 24 to 25 unfolded in temperatures ranging between minus 15 and minus 17 degrees Celsius. Runners navigated the frozen surface under biting winds, contending with slippery ice and reduced oxygen levels that tested endurance and preparation.
The marathon was organised by Thin Ice Adventures in collaboration with the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh and the Indian Army, with support from Indian Oil Corporation. The race was flagged off at 8.30 am from Maan village by Durbuk Sub Divisional Magistrate Mohammad Ismail and Commander Jagdish M R of the 114 Brigade.
Participants represented 21 Indian states along with international athletes from the United Arab Emirates, Nepal and Australia. Personnel from the Indian Army and the Indo Tibetan Border Police, local residents and children from nearby villages lent a strong community presence to the event, adding to the spirit of the competition.
On the opening day, 186 runners competed in the 10 kilometre race while 46 athletes took part in the 42 kilometre full marathon across the frozen lake. Women athletes recorded participation in all segments, including 16 in the 10 kilometre category and six in the full marathon. The concluding day featured the 21 kilometre and 5 kilometre races, drawing nearly 250 runners across the two segments.
In the 42 kilometre men’s category, Tsering Nurboo secured first place, followed by Tsering Stobgais and Khadim Hussain. In the women’s section, Skarma Endong finished ahead of Ang Furba Sherpa and Dakhi Kyudait. The 21 kilometre race saw Nima Lhamo lead the women’s field with Ishey Dolkar and Tsering Latso completing the podium, while Tsetan Namgyal finished first in the men’s segment ahead of Tashi Namgail and Sarfaraz Hussain.
In the 10 kilometre women’s category, Yeshi Sangdol clocked 1 hour 8 minutes and 34 seconds to finish first, followed by Tashi Dolkar and Rinchen Dolkar. Mehboob Ali topped the men’s standings with a time of 45 minutes and 1 second, narrowly ahead of Rinchen Gurmet and Jigmet Stobdan. The 5 kilometre race concluded with Tsewang Dolma leading the women’s category ahead of Dawa Chuzin and Rafket Dolma, while Kunchok Dhargyal secured first place in the men’s division followed by Sonveer Singh and Rohit.
A medal distribution ceremony was held after the completion of all race segments, honouring winners and acknowledging the efforts of organisers, safety teams and supporting agencies who ensured smooth conduct despite extreme conditions.
Given the fragile ice conditions and unpredictable weather, safety arrangements remained central to the planning. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force and UTDRF conducted regular inspections and measured ice thickness before and during the event. In collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, organisers analysed 15 years of weather data to assess environmental trends and facilitate safe execution of the marathon.
Race Director Chamba Tsetan stated that the marathon was launched in 2023 to promote winter tourism in Ladakh, a season traditionally marked by low tourist activity due to harsh weather. Inspired by the Antarctica Marathon, the event has grown into a prominent winter sporting attraction in the region.
Organisers observed that the marathon has generated economic activity in the Changthang region, supporting homestay tourism, local employment and youth engagement during the winter months. Participants described the frozen lake run as more demanding than conventional road races, citing extreme cold, slippery surfaces and high altitude as major challenges.
Several athletes also pointed to changing snowfall patterns and comparatively warmer winters, expressing concern about the broader impact of climate change on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. As the world’s highest frozen lake marathon, the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon continues to draw expanding international interest while blending endurance sport, community participation and environmental awareness on the icy waters of Pangong Tso.
