Mallika Dureja
A senior government official said Sunday that the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will implement a “adequate action plan” for India’s first “frozen-lake marathon” at Ladakh Pangong Tso at 13,862 feet on February 20.
Lukung’s 21-kilometer marathon will culminate at Maan village. Officials claimed 75 selected competitors from India and abroad will attempt to break the world’s highest “frozen-lake marathon” Guinness record.
They called the marathon the “Last Run” to draw attention to climate change.
The ASFL, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Leh, Tourism Department, and Leh district administration are organising it.
“This demanding event promoting sustainable development and carbon neutral Ladakh has been carefully planned. Stakeholders agree. The Indian Army and ITBP helped execute a proper response plan “Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, Leh District Development Commissioner, told PTI.
The 700-square-metre Pangong Lake, on the India-China border, freezes in winter at minus 30 degrees Celsius.
So how do SF folks celebrate their 39th Raising Day you ask?
Well, Some jump out from perfectly safe choppers @ 16000’. Some ‘grounded’ ones go fer a 10km run on the frozen Pangong Tso lake at 13860’ in Ladakh.
Those doing neither toss back a Vodka in more salubrious Mumbai 😇 pic.twitter.com/RgXw6Qsn7B
— Bindair Dundat (@beesubin) February 11, 2023
“Tourists typically visit Ladakh during the winter for Chadar Trek (in Zanskar) and snow leopard sightings, and we are hopeful that the frozen-lake marathon would help enhance tourism in other places, notably in Changthang,” Suse said.
He stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vibrant Village Scheme” will enhance habitats along the Line of Actual Control through tourism.
Also read: Pandya who Queen praised faces deportation.
“50 non-Ladakhic athletes are among the 75. The marathon has four foreign runners and local national champions. Our SOP shall be rigorously followed “stated.
Suse stated non-Ladakhians must acclimatise in Leh for three to four days to avoid high-altitude sickness.
“Medical crews will traverse the entire 21-km course and check participants one day prior. If necessary, we can air evacuate “district development commissioner.
He added the SDRF, Indian Army, and ITBP are jointly recceing the entire 21-km lake area in close collaboration with other stakeholders.
ASFL founder Chamba Tsetan claimed the event was dubbed “Last Run” to raise awareness of the “rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers due to global climatic change” in a short film.
“If you are really an environment enthusiast or adventure lover, this trip is for you…we are also hoping to set the Guinness world record for world highest frozen-lake marathon,” Tsetan remarked.
