Ladakh has created a Guinness World Record by organising the world's highest half-marathon on a frozen lake.
Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh and West Tibet. During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.
The world's first frozen lake marathon was held at Panggong Lake on February 20 at an altitude of roughly 13,862 feet and -30 Celsius temperatures.
Ladakh played host to the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon. The 21-kilometre marathon was the first of its kind to ever take place at this altitude.
The record-breaking half-marathon started in Lukung and ended at Maan village. Over 75 people participated in the four-hour-long marathon.
The event was the product of the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL), to promote sustainable tourism and create awareness about climate change.
The marathon had been dubbed 'The Last Run', as parts of the lake may be unfit for a race of this kind in the years to come due to global warming.
Participants from outside Ladakh went through mandatory acclimatisation, including a three to four-day stay in Leh, to overcome high-altitude sickness.
The participants were required to purchase the entire 8-nights-9-day marathon package for Rs 46,500 that included training, accommodation and travel.
The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police were tasked with providing support for the event.
Medical teams and hot water were made available throughout the marathon at intervals of 5 km, with air evacuations planned if required.