Shillong, Sep 12: Okitlang Syiemlieh became the first Meghalayan to run the Silk Route Ultra Challenge, an incredible 122km race through high altitude Ladakh, where he secured a Top 10 finish.
Okitlang, came ninth overall at the event, which was held as part of the Ladakh Marathon 2026. Last year he was ninth in the 72km event and this year he pushed himself even further to complete another 50km.
A serving member of the Meghalaya Police, Okitlang’s race started on 10th September at 7PM and finished at 10AM the next day, with runners going throughout the night.
This ultra challenge saw participation from runners across the world. They ran through uphill routes including the famous Khardung La and Tiger Hill.
It is considered one of the toughest runs in the world, often called a low‑oxygen marathon.
Coming ninth, he was awarded Rs 50,000 in prize money. The winner received Rs 5 lakh.
The number of participants in the 122km race was capped at 100. Runners also had to meet strict eligibility requirements, such as having experience of similar events in recent years.
Last year Okitlang also saw success at the 72km event at the Tsomgo Ultra Marathon 4.0 in Sikkim, which he won.
(Photo contributed)