Discover the captivating tale of a Tibetan marathoner, Lobsang Tharchin, who made history by securing the third position in the demanding Pangong Ice Ultra race. This extreme marathon, conducted on a high-altitude frozen lake that extends across the northern Ladakh region of India and Tibet, saw Tharchin display an impressive performance.
Approximately 20 determined athletes braved the challenging 55-kilometer (34-mile) track, dominated by snow and ice, situated at a towering height of 4,274 meters (14,000 feet). The harsh temperatures dropped to a biting -20 degrees Celsius (-4 F), adding another layer of difficulty to the race.
Tharchin, a 33-year-old from the Tibetan Sonam Ling Settlement in northern India, crossed the finish line on Wednesday with an impressive time of 5:19:10. He proudly waved the Tibetan flag at the end of the race, marking a significant achievement.
This year’s Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon introduced the Ice Ultra category for the first time. Tharchin’s third place is the highest a Tibetan has ever achieved in this event. The marathon happens in Ladakh, a region under the administration of India, known for its stunning mountainous landscapes.
Tharchin conveyed his excitement and satisfaction, stating, “Running on ice in this freezing weather was both an incredible experience and a great challenge. With no special preparation, securing third place is a great honor. As a Tibetan, being able to carry the Tibetan flag and display it filled me with immense happiness.”
The Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon, first organized in 2023, aims to boost winter tourism around Pangong Lake while raising awareness about climate change and the unique challenges it presents to the Ladakh region. The event also carries the moniker “The Last Run,” emphasizing the urgency of preserving the rapidly melting glaciers. This year’s theme was “Save Water and Save Glaciers.”
The marathon has been an internationally recognized event since its inception, having been officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as Asia’s first and the world’s highest frozen lake marathon. In the shorter 21-kilometer (13-mile) category of the event, another Tibetan athlete, Namgyal Tsering, 27, also secured third place.
The event attracted around 300 participants, half of whom were locals from Ladakh. The remainder comprised Indian soldiers and approximately 30 Tibetans. The ages of the participants ranged from seven to sixty years old. The marathon was supported by the administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh under the Jal Jeevan Mission, an initiative by the Indian government to ensure access to safe and sufficient drinking water for all households in rural India.
