Leh, Ladakh – July 21, 2025: The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge 2025, part of the renowned high-altitude race series Summit or Surrender, concluded with great success on Sunday, July 21. A medal ceremony was held at Shaolin Ladakh, Leh, marking the completion of one of the world’s most challenging endurance events.
Hosted at Umlingla Top, the world’s highest motorable road at an elevation of 5,799 meters (19,024 feet), the race pushed human physical and mental limits, taking participants to altitudes higher than the Everest Base Camp.
The race was flagged off at 7:00 AM on July 20 by Assistant Commandant Dr. Suraj of the 21st Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Runners competed across five categories: 70K, 50K, 42K, 21K, and 10K, each designed to test endurance in the most extreme conditions imaginable.
Participants hailed from across India and Nepal, including seasoned ultramarathoners like Anurag Saini of India and Manoj Kumar Shah of Nepal, both of whom recently completed the Everest Marathon. For them, the Umlingla Challenge represented an even more formidable achievement in high-altitude racing.
The event also celebrated remarkable individual stories:
Brigadier (Retd.) Sanjay Dikshit, aged 64, emerged as the oldest participant, proving that age is no barrier to endurance.
Susmita Jha made history as the first and only female finisher in the demanding 50K category, setting an inspiring example for women in adventure sports.
A notable highlight was the strong local participation, nearly 40% of the runners were from Ladakh, reflecting the region’s growing passion for endurance and high-altitude athletics.
With its breathtaking backdrop, extreme altitude, and spirited participation, the Umlingla Challenge 2025 not only tested the boundaries of human potential but also celebrated the spirit of resilience, inclusion, and adventure.
Organizers and local officials hailed the event as a resounding success and a milestone for Ladakh’s emerging reputation as a hub for international adventure sports.