Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on August 17 launched the official jersey for the 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon, marking the commencement of one of the world’s highest-altitude endurance sporting events.

Over the years, the Ladakh Marathon has emerged as a symbol of resilience, adventure and sporting excellence, attracting athletes and enthusiasts from across India and abroad.

This year’s edition will feature an enhanced prize pool of ₹1 crore, a significant increase that reflects the Administration’s focus on promoting sports and youth engagement in Ladakh. The announcement has generated strong interest, with nearly 10,000 runners registering for the event, compared to 6,521 participants last year.

The sharp increase in registrations highlights the growing stature of the Ladakh Marathon as a major sporting event and strengthens Ladakh’s position as a destination for adventure and endurance sports.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the Ladakh Marathon was not merely a sporting competition but also a celebration of Ladakh’s indomitable spirit, cultural vibrancy and pristine environment.

He highlighted the event’s role in providing a platform for local youth to showcase their talent while promoting Ladakh as a hub for sports and adventure tourism.

The Administration reiterated its commitment to developing Ladakh as a centre of excellence in sports and ensuring that events such as the Ladakh Marathon contribute to community development, environmental awareness and greater national and international recognition of the region’s unique heritage.

The 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon is expected to bring together athletes, visitors and local communities in a shared spirit of endurance, unity and celebration.