111 km
Triple 1
- Race cutoff
- 20 hours
- Field cap
- Max 55
- Plain / low-altitude benchmark
- 150 km (or a 100-miler) completed in approximately 20 hours
- Format
- Organizer supported
La Ultra – The High / 202723–28 August · Ladakh, Indian Himalayas
Beyond human
limits.
Rarefied air.
This is not a glorified trek. It is the crucible of extreme ultra running across the high passes of Ladakh. 88 bibs. Zero room for ego.
88
Bibs. No more.
4
Distances
11 days
Mandatory acclimatization
Since 2010
Moving mountains within
Applications are open · Closes November 22, 2026
Application details ↓01 / Watch before you apply
Before you fill out
a single word,
watch this.
Race Director Dr. Rajat Chauhan (“Doc”) and veteran crew member and runner Mehul break down benchmarks, mandatory acclimatization, and why La Ultra isn't for everyone.
La Ultra 2027 · Benchmarks, logistics, and what it takes to reach the start line.
Watch on YouTube ↗02 / The reality check
This race isn't
for everyone.
−5°Cto+40°C
Conditions can change within hours.
The air is thin. The landscape is unforgiving. At these altitudes, if you don't respect the mountain, the mountain will not respect you.
We don't care how many medals hang in your drawing room. If you are entitled, ungrateful to local crew, or unwilling to put in the time to adapt, do not apply.
This is a family of runners, drivers, volunteers, and mountain communities bound by humility, mutual respect, and raw endurance.
03 / Distances & selection
Maximum 88 runners.
Four categories.
We look at who you are today. Your data from the last six months matters more than what you ran five years ago.
222 km
Triple 2
- Race cutoff
- 48 hours
- Field cap
- Max 11
- Plain / low-altitude benchmark
- 300 km completed in approximately 48 hours
- Format
- Two-car crew support
333 km
Triple 3
- Race cutoff
- 72 hours
- Field cap
- Max 11
- Plain / low-altitude benchmark
- 450 km demonstrable multi-day capability
- Format
- By invitation / vetted
555 km
Triple 5
- Race cutoff
- 126 hours
- Reduced from 132
- Field cap
- Max 11
- Plain / low-altitude benchmark
- Proven elite multi-day ultra-endurance record
- Format
- By invitation only
| Distance | Race cutoff | Field cap | Plain / low-altitude benchmark | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111 kmTriple 1 | 20 hours | Max 55 | 150 km (or a 100-miler) completed in approximately 20 hours | Organizer supported |
| 222 kmTriple 2 | 48 hours | Max 11 | 300 km completed in approximately 48 hours | Two-car crew support |
| 333 kmTriple 3 | 72 hours | Max 11 | 450 km demonstrable multi-day capability | By invitation / vetted |
| 555 kmTriple 5 | 126 hoursReduced from 132 | Max 11 | Proven elite multi-day ultra-endurance record | By invitation only |
A note on data. Official timed races are welcome, but self-timed GPS and Strava files are equally valid. We don't require corporate race tags. We require verifiable integrity and honest training logs.
04 / The route & staggered starts
One grand symphony
across Ladakh.
From Nubra Valley, across passes including Khardung La, Wari La, and Tanglang La. Staggered starts bring four distances together toward a shared finish in the plains.
Provisional schedule. Final flag-off times and finish arrangements will be confirmed by the race directors.
- 23 AUG · Evening
555 km
Nubra Valley. The longest journey begins.
- 25 AUG · Evening
333 km
Joins as the 555 km runners reach their 222 km mark.
- 26 AUG
222 km
Debring / Tanglang La region.
- 27 AUG · Night
111 km
From the base of Wari La.
- 28 AUG
A shared finish
Runners across the distances converge toward the finish.
05 / Mandatory commitment
You cannot hack
high altitude.
Acclimatization happens on the ground in Leh. Your presence is mandatory.
11full days
Every runner must arrive in Leh at least 11 full days before their distance's flag-off. Leaving Ladakh during this period or attempting short fly-ins will lead to disqualification before the start line.
Minimum time required · including travel & race days
111 km
17days
222 km
18days
333 km
19days
555 km
21days
06 / The unsung heroes
Without the crew,
there is no race.
For 222 km, 333 km, and 555 km participants, the crew is essential. Each runner requires two vehicles and two teams, alternating approximately six-hour shifts so drivers and support staff can sleep.
Each car carries
One designated driver. One runner's crew member. One local Ladakhi crew member provided by the organizers.
You don't need to be an ultra-runner to join the crew pool. You do need to be an endurance enthusiast who remains calm under pressure, can cope with limited sleep, and expects zero glory.
Apply to join the crew pool07 / How the application works
A person.
Not just a race résumé.
- 01
Write your story
This is not a quick drop-down form. Treat your application like a personal letter. Tell us who you are, why you need this, and how you deal with suffering and humility.
- 02
Bring six months of data
Provide Strava, Garmin, or race history covering your recent buildup. We want to understand the runner you are today, not who you were five years ago.
- 03
Demonstrate your readiness
Qualified or high-potential applicants who still need to hit their benchmark distances will have until April 2027 to demonstrate their readiness.
- 04
Have a real conversation
Shortlisted runners and crew members will have personal one-on-one video calls and in-person meetings with the race directors.
La Ultra – The High / 2027
The clock starts now.
Applications are open. Applications close at the end of November 22, 2026 (IST).
Read the benchmarks, watch the briefing, and make sure you can commit the time before applying. Submission is an application, not a confirmed place.
Have questions? Connect with the team.
Looking for our online programmes?
Your La Ultra, MoveMint Women, First Steps, and Race Intelligence are still here.