“FAILING IS NOT A CRIME; LACK OF EFFORT IS.”

La Ultra: April 2022 Edition

30th April, 2022
11, 22, 33, 55 & 111 km

La Ultra:
30th April 2022

11, 22, 33, 55 & 111 km

La Ultra has become synonymous with achieving the so called Impossible, and that too with a smile. That Impossible could be different things to different people, but in that process discovering your true self.

In 2010, the experts told us that running 222 km in extreme LaDakh conditions was impossible, so we did it. In 2014 and 2019, it was 333 km and 555 km, respectively.

We also reduced the distance to 111 km in 2014 and then to 55 km in 2019, the best decisions we made at La Ultra. This led to an Indian being one of the only three 555 km finishers at La Ultra.

Covid made us skip 2020 and 2021. We all had our own internal La Ultras to climb during the pandemic and now need to yet again connect with ourselves.

For that we have introduced distances for all at La Ultra 2022 – 11, 22, 33, 55 & 111 kms opening up this iconic run to pretty much all the runners out there. No matter what distance you run, your layers will peel off, making you connect with your deeper self.

It is important to appreciate what conditions you’ll be running in Ladakh. To put it mildly, if you aren’t sensible enough, it can be fatal.

Reporting Date

For that reason we have taken all precautions, put necessary checks, come up with mandatory acclimatisation period and mandatory adventure sport insurance cover, because our success is getting you back to your loved ones after a life changing experience.

Below are reporting dates for different categories. There will be no compromise for anyone as this is crucial for your safety and to enjoy.

  • 21st April 2022, Thursday: 111 k category
  • 22nd April 2022, Friday: 33 and 55 k category
  • 23rd April 2022, Saturday: 11 and 22 k category, all crew members, interns and non-runners

Route

11, 22, 33, 55 and 111 k categories will start at Serthi Circle and go towards Wari La and take a u-turn at different points (11 k at 5.5 k; 22 k at 11 k; 33, 55 and 111 k at 16.5 k). All will then get back to Serthi Circle with 11, 22 and 33 k finishing there. 55 and 111 k will run up Chang La for another 11 k and then return back to Serthi Circle with 55 k finishing there. 111 k will carry on further along the Indus river and finish at Hotel Grand Dragon in Leh.

Accommodation

April is still off-season and it’s only by late April that majority of accommodations are starting to open up. Our package offering will only have hotels checked and approved by us that will provide all services including heated rooms, as it will still be below freezing (approx. minus 10°C) at night.

Giving back to Ladakh

Fair enough that LaDakh has amazing take it or leave it attitude as well as scenery, but like any place, what gives soul to Ladakh is the local people who have endured these extreme weather conditions for centuries. For the last decade the Ladakhi people have welcomed La Ultra with open hands and have adopted it. La Ultra wouldn’t exist if we didn’t have unconditional Ladakhi support. It’s high time we give back the love we have received so far.

Business in Off-Season

Extreme cold limits the tourism season in Leh from May to September. On purpose we are focusing on putting this event together during the off-season, just before the season starts and adding majorly to the local business. It has been really encouraging how the administration and local associations have welcomed our idea.

Promoting Local Talent

Our dream is to together revive and popularise the beautiful sports of polo and archery amongst the local youth while introducing them to the world. Also, Ladakhis have a genetic advantage over others because of residing at high altitudes, leading to being better endurance sports. We want to give a platform to local students and youth to showcase their running and then be on the path to success at the highest level.

Zero Carbon FootPrint

As much as tourism is the mainstay of Ladakh, it should not be at the expense of ruining the delicate ecosystem. We are working towards making La Ultra April edition Zero Carbon FootPrint event and setting an example for all to follow. There will be no single use plastic bottles allowed, effectively saving on 30,000 plus bottles adding to the garbage there.

Story So Very Far

The inception of a run on Leh-Manali highway happened way back in 2009 after Rajat, along with Melvin Barreto, had attempted to run from Manali to(wards) Rohtang Pass. They managed 30ish kms.

Interns & Crews

Crew members are integral to putting La Ultra together from its very inception in 2010. Every year we are told that it’s been a life changing experience. In 2019, students from a Spanish international school crewed for the race. Now we are opening Internship at La Ultra for students and others too.

Partners & Collaborators

We’ve taken on a mammoth effort and we can’t do it alone. Whether it be organising LaDakh Ultra Fest, putting the run together, promoting local talent or trying to leave Zero Carbon FootPrint, we’ll need a lot of your help.

 

Sponsorship Opportunity

The dream in 2009 was create Le Tour de France of running. Experts told us that it was impossible and here we are, making Impossible yell I’m Possible. If you think it is an opportunity for your brand to grow with La Ultra and if you like what we do, please reach out to us.

La Ultra - The High

In 2019 we celebrated the 10th edition of La Ultra – The High by adding 55 and 555 k categories to 111, 222 and 333 k, making one of toughest foot races even tougher, but also opening it up to more runners. The route spans in the vast high altitude desert of Ladakh from Nubra Valley to Changthang Plateau. Temperatures can fluctuate between minus 12°C to 40°C hot, in a matter of 6-7 hours. The route has three mountain passes, all above 17,000 ft. adding to the unique challenge of low oxygen density, of less than 60% of what you breathe at the sea level.

Read more

0
KM
33
KM
55
KM
111
KM
222
KM
333
KM

Race...

 Set in the remote Trans Himalayan region of Ladakh, India, La Ultra – The High is among the toughest foot races known to man. Ultra-distances range from 55 km to 555 kms, spanning the massive cold desert, from Nubra Valley to Changthang Plateau, all within 126 hours. 
  • Six distances to choose from 33 | 55 | 111 | 222 | 333 & 555 Km
  • Altitude starting from 10,500 ft upto 17,700 ft.
  • Temperature variation of 40° C to -12° C
  • Less than 50% of oxygen at sea level.

To know more about the race, qualifying criteria, race fee and registration, click below button.

Real test of Endurance

Why La Ultra Is An Arduous Race

Want to take part in one of the categories at La Ultra? This page will take you through all that you need to know – Race Route | Race Schedule | Race Fee | Race Rules | Results | Qualifying Criteria | Registration

Real test of Endurance

Why La Ultra Is An Arduous Race

Want to take part in one of the categories at La Ultra? This page will take you through all that you need to know – Race Route | Race Schedule | Race Fee | Race Rules | Results | Qualifying Criteria | Registration

Race Schedule

Set in the remote Trans Himalayan region of Ladakh, India, La Ultra – The High is among toughest foot races Read more

Qualifying Criteria

Want to take part in one of the categories at La Ultra? This page will take you through all that you need to know – Read more

Race Fee

The CREW forms the backbone of La Ultra. To know more about how to be part of the crew… Read more

Race Route

Entries for the La Ultra – The High 2021 (12th edition) are open. To know more about qualifying criteria Read more

Real test of Endurance

Why La Ultra Is An Arduous Race

Real test of Endurance

Why La Ultra Is An Arduous Race

Race Schedule

Set in the remote Trans Himalayan region of Ladakh, India, La Ultra – The High is among toughest foot races Read more

Qualifying Criteria

Want to take part in one of the categories at La Ultra? This page will take you through all that you need to know – Read more

Race Fee

The CREW forms the backbone of La Ultra. To know more about how to be part of the crew… Read more

Race Route

Entries for the La Ultra – The High 2021 (12th edition) are open. To know more about qualifying criteria Read more

Media

In Ladakh, as part of La Ultra - The High, you are in for a visual treat. Here are some pictures & videos that will give you a glimpse of what unfolds in the high Himalayas.

Photos

Videos

In The News

Real test of Endurance

Featured Events

At La Ultra, we put together three more mountain running events that will make your experience running like never before. 

Featured Events

At La Ultra, we put together three more mountain running events that will make your experience running like never before. 

Race Reports

If you dream of running the La Ultra, these written accounts by ultra-runners from around the world is like a treasure.

Sunil Handa (India)

Sunil Handa (India) – La Ultra – The High 333, yes it’s possible. Click here to read

Mark Steven Woolley

Mark Steven Woolley (UK/Spain), 2015 – “Weakness”.

Click here to read

Sharon Gayter (UK)

Sharon Gayter (UK) – 2011

Click here to read full race report by Christian.

Mark Cockbain (UK)

Mark Cockbain (UK) – 2010

Click here to read full race report from Mark.

Gallery

Harmonize your body, mind and inner self.

Volunteers

The La Ultra is unique because it brings together a variety of passionate individuals from India and abroad with one common objective – to deliver a safe and unforgettable experience for the runners at the La Ultra.

Connect with us

Subscribe to our newsletter

Connect with us

Subscribe to our newsletter