Next race
Sunday, 5 September 2027
6:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
High-altitude road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Approximately 1,200 finishers
Course & terrain
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 rolling 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.
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 3,502 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
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.
Getting there
Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL)
5 km / 3 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
