Local athletes stamped their dominance in Ladakh’s high-altitude endurance events, with Tsewang Kundan and Shabir Husain emerging victorious in the Silk Route Ultra and Khardungla Challenge respectively.
Kundan Triumphs in 122-km Silk Route Ultra
Tsewang Kundan braved the extreme Himalayan terrain to win the Silk Route Ultra, completing the 122-km challenge in 13 hours, 50 minutes, and 01 second. The race, one of the toughest ultra-marathons in the region, tested stamina with steep climbs and thin air at altitudes above 10,000 feet.
Phunchok Namgail secured second place in 14:38:14, while Skarma Phurbu Tsering claimed third with a timing of 15:01:01.
Husain Wins Khardungla Challenge
In the 72-km Khardungla Challenge, another demanding run crossing one of the world’s highest motorable passes, Shabir Husain emerged as the champion. His victory underlined the strong performance of local runners who are accustomed to the rigours of Ladakh’s climate and geography.
A Showcase of Local Endurance
The Leh ultra races have steadily gained recognition for their difficulty, attracting athletes who seek to test their endurance in extreme conditions. This year’s results once again highlighted the dominance of Ladakhi runners, whose familiarity with high-altitude conditions gives them a competitive edge.
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