Why in news:

• The Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon has been officially registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s highest frozen lake half marathon, setting a new achievement for the region.

Key Points:

• Organised by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, in collaboration with the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) and the Tourism Department, the four-hour event started from Lukung and concluded in Maan village. Around 75 runners from across the world participated in the 21.9-km marathon.
• The marathon, organised as a part of the Vibrant Village Programme of the Central Government, aimed at promoting sustainable winter tourism in border villages to accelerate the pace of development. The Pangong marathon was initiated also to share the ecologically sensitive concerns of Ladakh with a larger audience through the medium of sports.
• The Pangong marathon aimed at developing the border villages in the region. The LAHDC and the ASFL shared similar goals concerning the environment and the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon showcased a sustainable and responsible marathon, promoting winter tourism, boosting the local homestays along with zero-waste concept to provide round-the-year stable livelihood in the rural border villages.
• The winners of the marathon in the men’s category were Rigzen Gyurmeth, Muneeb and Arshad. In women’s category, Tsering Zangmo, Padma Rigzin and Chuskit Angmo were the winners. During the event, an ice hockey exhibition match was played between the teams of Lalok and Chushul. Various stalls highlighting the region’s specialty in cuisine were set up. Besides, handloom and handicraft products were also displayed.

Promoting tourism and boosting growth

• The event showcased a sustainable and responsible marathon, promoting winter tourism, boosting local homestays along with zero-waste concept.
• A part of the Vibrant Village Programme, the event aims at promoting sustainable winter tourism in the border villages to boost development.