Chewang Motup Goba, the man behind the upcoming Ladakh Marathon, described as the “World’s Highest Marathon”, says that what stays with him the most is this: “Seeing a first-time runner at the start, unsure of what lies ahead, and then seeing that same person cross the finish line. Somewhere along the way, they discover what they are capable of, and they also discover Ladakh,” says the Chairperson of High Altitude Sports Foundation, which organises and promotes the run.The 13th edition of this four-day event, taking place between September 10 and 13, will comprise six major races of varying lengths, including the 122-km Silk Route Ultra, the 72-km Khardung La Challenge, a full and half marathon, and shorter 11.2 km and 5 km runs. It is expected to bring together over 10,000 visitors from 28 Indian States and 6 Union Territories, as well as international runners and boasts a prize pool of ₹ 1 crore. “After 13 editions, seeing runners from 28 countries and six continents, and from almost every part of India, is something we can be proud of,” he says.We ask five participants, at different stages of their running journeys, how they are preparing for the high-altitude challenge — and to share the tips they have learnt along the way.Sparsh Jain, New Delhi