Another feather in its cap by getting the exotic ‘Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon’ officially registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s highest frozen lake half-marathon.
Official spokesperson from Leh, said, “Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in collaboration with Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) organised India’s first and the world’s highest frozen lake half marathon at frozen Pangong Lake, which witnessed the participation of around 75 runners from across the world.”
The 21.9km half-marathon commenced from Lukung village and concluded at Maan village, he added
is in sync with the vision and goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vibrant Village Programme which aims to develop the border villages,” he said.
He added that the Hill Council and ASFL share similar goals concerning the environment and the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon showcases a sustainable and responsible marathon, promoting winter tourism in the already world-famous tourist destination, boosting the local homestays along with zero-waste concept to provide round-the-year stable livelihood in the rural border villages.
Gyalson assured that the Hill Council would promote the Pangong Marathon responsibly and within the carrying capacity of the surroundings, making it one of the most attractive and sought-out international events, and also assured to support all endeavours to promote rural tourism by strengthening homestays and enhancing livelihood opportunities.”
Speaking on the occasion, executive councillor, RDD, Tashi Namgyal shared that the Hill Council had always deliberated on extending the potential of the tourism sector by promoting it as a year-long tourist destination.
“The initiation of the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon is an attempt to promote the scope of tourism in the eastern border villages of Ladakh beyond the limited summer season of tourism,” Namgyal maintained.
DC Leh, Shrikant Suse added that the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon, organised as a part of the Vibrant Village Programme of GoI, aims to promote sustainable winter tourism in the border villages to accelerate the pace of development.
Suse added that the Pangong Marathon was also initiated to share the ecologically sensitive concerns of Ladakh with a larger audience through the medium of sports.
