Our Story
Born from the idea that mountains don’t define limits — you do.
Conceived as a race not for the masses but for the most prepared and mentally resilient endurance athletes, the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge elevates racing to a new plane. Running above 5,000m and reaching 5,799m at Umling La, the course presents oxygen-thin air, arctic winds, and lunar-like terrain — conditions few athletes ever experience.
The first edition began humbly with two runners; the second edition expanded to nine. Each year the event grows responsibly, prioritizing safety, environmental stewardship and the elite athlete experience.
Vision & Mission
To redefine human endurance at altitude; to offer a world-class, low-impact extreme-altitude racing experience that showcases Ladakh’s unique landscape and supports local communities.
Quick Facts
- Altitude: 5,799 m
- Editions: 2 completed
- Total finishers to date: 11
- Recognitions: Guinness World Record, International Book of Records
Why Run Umlingla?
The world’s highest ultra marathon — a challenge like nothing else on the planet.
High-Altitude Challenge
Run above 5,700m where oxygen drops to ~50% of sea level — the ultimate test of endurance and acclimatisation.
Bucket-List Destination
Umling La is a once-in-a-lifetime place: remote, pristine and legendary. Running here becomes a lifetime story.
Unique Desert–Mountain Terrain
A surreal mix of cold desert, lunar valleys, snow corridors and Himalayan ridgelines — nothing else feels like it.
Extreme Exclusivity
Limited to 100 runners to preserve athlete safety, community impact and event quality.
Terrain & Environment
A landscape unlike anywhere on Earth
The Course
The route covers cold desert plains, snow-filled corridors, wind-blasted flats and steep rocky sections. Expect long climbs, high exposure and fast descents where the terrain allows.
Altitude Zones & Conditions
- Course range: 5,000m → 5,799m
- Temperature (race window): -2°C → 15°C
- Oxygen: ~47% lower than sea level
Records & Achievements
Global recognition that anchors our credibility
Guinness World Record
Highest Average Altitude Ultra Marathon Completion
Achieved by Anurag Saini, Dehradun — at 5,799 mInternational Book of Records
Highest Altitude 50K Female Finisher
Achieved by Susmita Jha, KolkataWorld’s Highest Ultra Marathon
Only multi-category ultra above 5,700m
Umling La, LadakhRace Categories Snapshot
Choose your challenge — all distances traverse high-altitude terrain and require acclimatisation.
70K Ultra
- Elevation Gain: ~1,622 m
- Cut-off: 14 hours
- Difficulty: ★★★★★
50K Ultra
- Elevation Gain: ~1,538 m
- Cut-off: 10 hours
- Difficulty: ★★★★★
42K Marathon
- Elevation Gain: ~1,469 m
- Cut-off: 7 hours
- Difficulty: ★★★★★
21K Half Marathon
- Elevation Gain: ~1054 m
- Cut-off: 4 hours
- Difficulty: ★★★★☆
10K High Altitude Run
- Elevation Gain: ~622 m
- Cut-off: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Part of the Summit or Surrender Series
Ladakh Umlingla Challenge is the flagship of the Summit or Surrender extreme-altitude race series across the Himalayas — a pan-Himalayan vision connecting trans-Himalaya and great Himalayan high passes and trails.
Organised By
Sarmang Society — race direction, safety systems & community engagement
Sarmang Society is a not-for-profit organisation focused on high-altitude sports, athlete safety, and sports science. The team brings decades of endurance event experience, regional logistics capability and a network of medical partners to ensure a safe and credible race.
Race Director: Anil Mohan — experience in high-altitude events, coaching and race management. For sponsorship and partnerships, Sarmang collaborates with local stakeholders and national partners to maximise exposure while preserving local ecology.
Safety & Medical
Rigorous protocols for a harsh environment
- Pre-race medical screening — mandatory for all participants
- Pulse-ox monitoring at key checkpoints
- Trained medics & evacuation teams with portable oxygen
- Satellite communication across the route
- Defined drop-out & evacuation protocols to ensure runner safety
Race Highlights & Winner Stories
Experience Umling La through the eyes of those who conquered it
“A race that changed my definition of limits.”
– Anurag Saini, Guinness World Record Holder
“The toughest and most beautiful 50K of my life.”
– Susmita Jha, International Book of Records
“Running Umling La made me understand what altitude truly does to the body — and my mind.”
“Minimal field, maximal experience. The organisers took safety very seriously.”
“A race that rewards discipline: acclimatise well, and the course will reward you with memories.”
Through the Lens
A visual strip from the editions so far
Ready to push beyond your limits?
Race Day: 10 July 2026 — Limited to 100 runners