Dr. Umesh Bhammarkar from Hyderabad recently tackled one of the toughest marathons, running on the frozen Pangong Lake in Leh Ladakh this February. The marathon, held at an altitude of 14,272 feet, saw participation from 120 athletes worldwide. Organized by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh with support from the Administration Union Territory of Ladakh and the Indian Army’s 14 corps, the World’s Highest Frozen Lake Marathon-2024 has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Challenging Conditions
Originally signed up for the full 42-kilometer marathon, Bhammarkar faced adverse weather conditions with increased wind velocity on the race day, prompting organizers to limit the run to 21 kilometers. Despite this change, Bhammarkar completed the run in over three hours. He attributes his success to the rigorous training regimen that included running hills in Hyderabad, spending time at a snow theme park to acclimatize to cold temperatures, and specialized strength and resistance training.
Extreme Difficulty
Reflecting on his experience, Bhammarkar rated the Pangong Lake marathon a 10 on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10. The high altitude, freezing temperatures, and strong winds made it one of the most challenging races he has ever undertaken. He described facing nosebleeds, numbness in extremities, and visibility issues due to extreme cold and wind velocities reaching up to -30 degrees centigrade.
Beginnings of a Passion
Bhammarkar’s journey into running began with inspiration from marathon runners along Necklace Road in Hyderabad. Observing their joy and determination, he ventured into his first five-kilometer run and discovered his love for the sport. This initial spark led him to seek professional guidance from running and fitness coach, Jacqueline Babitha Xavier (JBX), who helped him improve his performance and prevent injuries through proper training techniques.
Looking Ahead
Despite the allure of frozen lake marathons in international destinations like Switzerland and Antarctica, Bhammarkar remains committed to exploring more challenging terrains in India. His experience at the Pangong Lake marathon has fueled his determination to push his limits and continue his running endeavors with a newfound passion.
To read more about Dr. Umesh Bhammarkar’s remarkable journey and achievements, visit The Hindu.