The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge 2025, part of the Summit or Surrender high-altitude race series, concluded successfully on July 21, bringing together elite endurance athletes from across India and Nepal to compete on the world’s highest motorable road — Umlingla Top, at an altitude of 5,799 meters (19,024 ft), surpassing even the height of Everest Base Camp.

The ultra-marathon was flagged off at 7:00 AM on July 20 by Assistant Commandant Dr. Suraj of the 21st Battalion, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Umlingla Top. Runners competed in a range of categories — 70K, 50K, 42K, 21K, and 10K — all of which now rank among the highest-altitude road races in the world.

Notable participants included Anurag Saini and Manoj Kumar Shah of Nepal, both of whom had recently completed the Everest Marathon (approx. 5,300 m). The Umlingla Challenge marked a new milestone in their endurance journey, taking them even higher. Among the inspiring stories, Retired Brigadier Sanjay Dikhit (aged 64) emerged as the oldest participant, while Sushmita Jha became the first and only female finisher, completing the grueling 50K race.

The event served as a remarkable testament to human endurance and willpower. All participants completed their respective distances within the designated cut-off time. Notably, around 40% of the runners hailed from Ladakh, underscoring the region's growing interest and participation in high-altitude endurance sports.

Participant Highlights:
•    Anurag Saini (70K)
•    Manoj Kumar Shah (70K)
•    Sonam Choeden (50K)
•    Sushmita Jha (50K)
•    Bilal Ahmed (42K)
•    Retd. Brig. Sanjay Dikhit (21K)
•    Benedict Halley Vaskaran (21K)
•    Jaffar Ali (10K)
•    Javed Ahmed (10K)

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (21st Battalion), Indian Army (14 Corps), and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) extended logistical and operational support, ensuring the safety and success of the event in this remote, high-altitude terrain.

organizers, Sarmang Society, extended heartfelt gratitude to LAHDC Leh, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Leh, Ladakh Tourism Department, Chief Medical Officer Leh, Department of Youth Services and Sports, Education Department Leh, Ladakh Police, Councillor Nyoma Constituency, and ALOTA (All Ladakh Tour Operators Association) for their administrative and promotional support.

This edition of the Umlingla Challenge marks a proud chapter in India’s growing high-altitude ultra-endurance movement. It reinforces Sarmang Society’s mission to position India as a global destination for extreme altitude racing while promoting eco-conscious, responsible tourism in the trans-Himalayan region.

The Summit or Surrender series is India’s premier high-altitude racing initiative by Sarmang Society, showcasing ultra-endurance events in the Himalayas with a strong focus on border awareness, environmental stewardship, and Himalayan pride. Current races under this banner include the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge and the Uttarakhand Mana Pass Challenge — the two highest ultra-marathons in the world.

The entire race was conducted under the expert direction of RRCA-certified Race Director Anil Mohan, Secretary of Sarmang Society and founder of Sarmang Adventure Tours. Volunteer operations were led by Pragati Rawat and Shivangee Rana from Team Sarmang, ensuring smooth execution across the demanding high-altitude course.