Leh/JammuUnion Territory of Ladakh has created history by successfully conducting its first 21 km trail running event in sub-zero temperatures at 13,862 feet high Pangong Tso, which has been recognized as the world’s highest frozen lake half marathon by Guinness World Records. was recorded. The 700-sq-km Pangong lake on the India-China border records minus 30 degrees Celsius during winters, causing the saltwater lake to freeze over.
Leh District Development Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse told PTI that no injuries were reported among the 75 participants in the four-hour-long marathon that started from Lukung and ended at Maan village on Monday.
#Watch , Famous Pangong Tso in Ladakh to host first ever frozen lake half-marathon on February 20
It is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s highest frozen lake marathon. pic.twitter.com/jtxgLvPTR2– ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2023
Named ‘Last Run’ to remind people about climate change and the need to save the Himalayas, the marathon was organized by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) in association with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, Department of Tourism, Ladakh. was done in collaboration. , and Leh District Administration.
Susey said that the first Pangong Frozen Lake Half Marathon is now officially entered in the Guinness Book of World Records. He said that apart from spreading the message of environmental awareness among the stakeholders through the Games, the marathon also aims to promote sustainable winter tourism in the border villages of Eastern Ladakh to create livelihood opportunities for the residents, especially in winters. Which is a part of the ‘Living Village Programme’. ‘Declared by the Central Government.
The run was flagged off by Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC (Leh). Five energy stations were set up along the route, including mobile ambulances as well as energy drinks, medical teams and oxygen support.
The District Development Commissioner said all the participants underwent six days of acclimatization – four days in Leh and two in Pangong as per the SOP laid down by the district administration. Participants were also medically tested to ensure that they were fit to run.
Suse said that all medical centers along the route were equipped with trained personnel and equipment to deal with any medical emergency, adding that the program received active support from the Indian Army and ITBP in terms of medical assistance and logistics. Personnel from the Union Territory Disaster Response Force and personnel from the Ladakh Mountain Guides Association were deployed along the route to ensure the safety of the runners. The route was decided after proper inspection and the size of the frozen layer of snow, the official said.
He said the participants were allowed to run only after wearing safety equipment to prevent them from slipping on the ice. After the successful completion of the event, the runners were felicitated with medals and certificates, while the first, second and third place finishers in both men’s and women’s categories were also given cash prizes.
He said that the event was registered as ‘Highest Altitude Frozen Half Marathon’ and a certificate was issued by the Guinness authorities to LAHDC Leh and ASFL on the occasion. Congratulations, we have made it into the world record. Indeed a successful event inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #VibrantVillage program for border areas,” Gyalson tweeted.