The Ladakh Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each September on a high-altitude road in Leh, India. Altitude is the race's defining challenge, making modest paces feel far harder than sea-level equivalents. The route passes monasteries, barren mountain vistas, and open roads under the Himalaya's stark desert landscape. Thin air at altitude is the main pacing challenge despite a flat layout.
Ladakh Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Ladakh Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026 with a 6:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a high altitude flat layout.
Starts and finishes around Leh's high-altitude race venues. The route passes monasteries, barren mountain vistas, and open roads under the Himalaya's stark desert landscape. Very flat at high altitude. Moderate terrain throughout.
The Ladakh Marathon course is high altitude flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
The Ladakh Marathon uses open registration at ladakhmarathon.com that often moves to a waitlist or lottery when high-altitude places fill for the September race. Sign-up typically opens in spring and the capped field prioritises runners who can demonstrate acclimatisation experience. International entrants apply through the same portal and should register early given the unique altitude challenge and limited capacity.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Leh.
The Chandigarh Fast Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each December on an urban road in Chandigarh, India. The city layout naturally produces one of India's straighter and flatter marathon courses. The route passes sector boulevards, green medians, and the wide geometry of Le Corbusier's planned city. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
The Indore Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each February on an urban road in Indore, India. It reflects Indore's push to position itself as one of India's cleanest and most fitness-oriented cities. The course passes Rajwada-area roads, newer city boulevards, and broad central-Madhya Pradesh streets. Rajwada-area roads, newer city boulevards, and broad central-Madhya Pradesh streets reflect Indore's push to become one of India's cleanest, most fitness-oriented cities.
Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027
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