One of the most challenging ultra marathons in the World, called La Ultra – The High is all set to kick off on August 11 in the scenic, but extremely tough mountain passes of Ladakh.
The race, spread across three days, offers a unique challenge to the participants in the Trans Himalayan region in terms of altitude, terrain and weather, which is known to be as brutal as it is beautiful. It can reach a high of 40 degree centigrade and drop to 12 degrees within hours.
Oxygen levels are 50 per cent of what we breathe at sea level. This location gives the runners a high when it comes to challenges as nowhere else will as they get a chance of running over three 17,500 ft mountain passes.
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La Ultra - The High comprises of three separate races – all beginning from the Nubra Valley.
These races are run continuously over 111, 222 and 333 km in 20, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. There are cut offs to ensure that participants reach certain milestones during the race.
The entire course is set at altitudes between 11,500 to 17,500 feet. All runners go over Khardung La (claimed to be the highest motorable pass in the world) in the first stretch of 111 Kms.
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Last year Parwez Malik, a scrap dealer from Meerut, won the 111 kms category and became the first Indian ultra-runner to have finished it in a record time of 17:57:35 hrs. Saurabh Agarwal, a mountaineer and runner from Delhi, became the second Indian to finish with a time of in 23:02 hrs in the same category.
This year 13 runners from India are taking part in the 111 kms category besides runners from nine other nations.
What makes runners attempt this Himalayan challenge? “I love being on the mountain,” says Kieren D’Souza, an Indian runner, who participated last year too. He feels the biggest challenge for runners would be the low levels of oxygen. “But I am better prepared for this race now,” says D’Souza.
Mark Wolley, based in Spain, is another keen competitor, who tried the 333 km run last year but collapsed shortly before finish. “I hope to finish the run in the stipulated time,” hopes Wolley. As a part of his preparation, he ran across Spain.
“For us, everybody who finishes the run is a winner,” opines Chetan Seghal, spokesperson for the organisers. “Finishing the race, in any of the categories is a Himalayan achievement. Runners gather from all over the world for this race, not to win the prize money, but to take back memories of being part of such a challenge. As a memento we present every one who reaches the finish line a La Ultra trophy,” he adds.
All safety measures are in place, claims Sehgal.
“Rules are designed and put in place for everyone’s safety, including athletes and crew teams. Cut-off stations are also set up so that the athlete is not exposed to high altitude for a long time. It also serves as an indicator of who is doing well and who is suffering. Medical teams at these stations are also ready to handle any emergency, keeping a check on everyone on course,” he assures.
Bisleri Vedica is sponsoring water to the participants this year.