Imagine running through Ladakh’s rugged lan, crossing the Indus River with the Himalayas rising around you and doing it at an altitude where even walking can feel demanding.
That is the challenge awaiting runners at the 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon, being held in Leh from September 10 to September 13, 2026.
Organised by the High Altitude Sports Foundation Ladakh (HASF), the event is officially described as the world’s highest AIMS-certified marathon and has attracted runners from India and abroad.This year, the event has an enhanced total prize pool of ₹1 crore, according to the Ladakh Administration.When and where is the Ladakh Marathon 2026?The four-day event is being staged in and around Leh, Ladakh, with six different running categories spread across September 10 to 13.Silk Route Ultra : The 122-km run is scheduled for September 10Khardung La Challenge : The 72-km race is on September 11.Run for Fun : The popular 5-km takes place on September 12Flagship Marathon: On September 13, runners will compete in a 42.195-km marathon, 21.0975-km Half Marathon and 11.2-km Run.The full marathon starts from the NDS Memorial Stadium at 6 AM on September 13.
The official cut-off time is 6 hours 45 minutes.What’s in for visitors?For visitors, the marathon is also an unusual way to experience Ladakh.
