Official Declaration

World’s Highest Road Ultra Marathon

Ladakh Umlingla Challenge

1. Purpose of Declaration

This document sets out the factual and definitional basis on which the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge is described as the World’s Highest Road Ultra Marathon. It is intended for informational and reference purposes only.

2. Event Description

The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge is an organised endurance running event conducted in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. The event includes ultra-distance race categories and is conducted entirely on a motorable road network, including the ascent to Umling La.

3. Elevation & Route Characteristics

Highest Elevation Point: Umling La, Ladakh
Approximate Elevation: 5,799 metres above mean sea level
Route Surface: Motorable road throughout
Route Classification: Road-based endurance running event

Umling La is widely referenced by governmental and public sources as the highest motorable pass in the world. Minor variations in altitude readings may occur depending on measurement methodology.

4. Definition Applied

“World’s Highest Road Ultra Marathon” refers to an organised ultra-distance running event conducted entirely on a motorable road surface that reaches a maximum elevation higher than that reached by any other known road-based ultra-distance running event.

5. Basis for Classification

The event includes race categories exceeding the standard marathon distance.
The entire route is conducted on a motorable road without trail sections.
The route reaches Umling La at approximately 5,799 metres above sea level.
Based on publicly available information, no other known road ultra reaches a higher elevation.

6. Data Sources & Verification

Elevation and route data are derived from GPS recordings, digital elevation models, and publicly available governmental references. Supporting documentation may be made available upon reasonable request.

7. Comparative Disclaimer

This declaration does not assert exclusivity over trail, cross-country, or non-road running events, nor events classified under different distance definitions.

8. Good Faith & Accuracy Statement

All statements are made in good faith based on information available at the time of publication. The organisers reserve the right to amend this declaration if materially new information becomes available.

9. Organising Entity

The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge is organised by Sarmang Society, in collaboration with Sarmang Adventure Tours.

10. Permitted Use of Designation

The designation “World’s Highest Road Ultra Marathon” may be used in official communications related to the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge, provided such usage is consistent with the definitions and limitations set out on this page.