The second edition of the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge, the world’s highest altitude road ultra marathon, officially began with a Bib Expo held in Leh on  July 13. The event marks the beginning of a week-long journey into one of the most grueling endurance races on the planet

Organised by Sarmang Adventure Tours and the Sarmang Society, the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge takes place at Umling La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,799 meters (19,024 ft) — significantly higher than Everest Base Camp and the Everest Marathon.

This year’s race has attracted runners from across the country, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Ladakh, as well as an international participant from Nepal.

Among the standout participants is Retired Brigadier Sanjay Dishit (64), the oldest in the field, and Susmita Jha (50), the only female participant. Marking her 50th birthday, Susmita is running the 50K category, embodying the event’s spirit with her motto: “Summit or Surrender.”
Manoj Kumar from Nepal, who recently completed the Everest Marathon, is taking on the 70K Ultra challenge at Umling La, further raising the stakes in this ultimate test of Himalayan endurance.

Anil Mohan, Race Director and Founder of the Sarmang Group, stated, “This isn’t just a race. It’s a test of character, commitment, and courage. Running at nearly 6,000 meters isn’t about beating others — it’s about conquering yourself.”

The organisers expressed gratitude to all partners, volunteers, and local authorities for their support. With its extreme altitude, breathtaking terrain, and powerful human stories, the Umlingla Challenge continues to serve as a tribute to resilience and adventure.

The race, scheduled for July 20, includes four categories: 70K Ultra, 50K Ultra, 21.1K Half Marathon, and 10K Distance Run. Leading up to the event, participants will undergo acclimatization and medical checkups, with scheduled movement to Hanle and Chisumla, the race base.

The full event schedule includes the Bib Expo on July 13, acclimatization and medicals from July 14 to 17, departure to Hanle on July 18, shift to Chisumla on July 19, race day on July 20, and the closing ceremony on July 21.

Combining extreme altitude, remote beauty, and the power of human spirit, the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge promises not just a race, but a transformative journey—one that celebrates resilience, adventure, and the pursuit of limits.