Shabir Hussain of the Ladakh Scouts once again managed to secure first position in the Khardongla Challenge- a 72 km-ultra marathon

Covering a distance of 72 Km from Khardong village to Leh city in 6 hrs 50 minutes and 38 seconds, Shabir got the first position while Tsering Norboo, again from the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, with 6 hrs 51 minutes and 15 seconds secured second position. Karma Zopa of the Vikas was on the third position with timing of 7 hrs 6 minutes and 42 seconds. The fresh snowfall on higher reaches of Khardongla reportedly made it difficult for the runners while crossing Khardongla pass. However the runners in spite of such hostile condition covered the distance in good timing. Earlier in the morning Khardong Nambardar and HQ Dy SP Suraj Singh formally flagged off the runners from Khardong village at 3:00 AM. As many as 162 participants from different parts of world took part in the Khardongla Challenge of the Seventh edition 0f Ladakh Marathon. Ladakh annual mega sports event was organised by a local Rimo Expedition with the support of J&K Tourism, LAHDC Leh and Bisleri. The Marathon has been recognised by Association of International Marathon and Distant Races (AIMS). The main Ladakh Marathon will be held on Sunday and roughly seven thousand people from different countries are expected to take part in the event.

posted Saturday September 8th