Darjeeling runners to take part in Ladakh Marathon, the toughest of all runs at 5,370 m

PAWAN GURUNG, EOI, MIRIK, AUGUST 30, 2023 : To mark National Sports Day, the Vik Run Foundation organised an event on Tuesday to extend best wishes to seven athletes hailing from Darjeeling, who will run the Ladakh Marathon set to take place next week. 

The Ladakh Marathon, an annual long-distance race situated in Leh, is one of the world's highest marathons, unfolding at altitudes ranging from 11,500 to 17,618 feet (3,505 to 5,370 m). Darjeeling runners to take part in Ladakh Marathon, the toughest of all runs at 5,370 m Known for its extreme difficulty, the marathon draws participants from around the globe. 

This year, seven runners from Darjeeling are ready to take on the challenge: Karma T. Bhutia (11.2 km), Sammy Rai (11.2 km), Aron Lama (11.2 km), Priscilla Giri (21 km), Rapden D. Sherpa (42 km), Ankita P. Poirika (42 km), and Suman Chhetri (122 km). Suman Chettri will be running 

The Silk Route Ultra (122km) which is the toughest among the Ladakh Marathon races and is often considered as the epitome of high altitude running; testing the limits of human endurance. 

Last year Darjeeling runner Sunita Subba came first in the first silk route edition. VikRun Foundation Co founder Manoj Gurung thanked all the running clubs and conveyed good wishes for these runners. 

Chief Advisor of Gorkhaland Territorial administration Amar Lama, and T.T. Bhutia from Darjeeling Police were present to give their good wishes for the runners.