The Gurudongmar Marathon (updated Information Awaited) - 2 Edition

( Updated Information Awaited)

The Gurudongmar Marathon is a not for profit event to promote active lifestyles through sports. It’s a 42K run from Gurudongmar, 17,800 ft., North Sikkim. The run is to make people aware about health and fitness at all ages by going out and doing a simple run or outdoor activity.

The run is schedule to fall on the first Wednesday of June to commemorate & celebrate “Global Running Day” & the “Million Kid Run”.

The Gurudongmar Marathon at 17,800 ft. is possibly the highest Marathon in the world. Located in the high plateau of north Sikkim near the Tibet, China border this race is promoted by the Sikkim Mountaineering Association.

This race is being held to commemorate "World Running Day" and to encourage everyone to get out and be active.

Gurudongmar Lake at 5200M above sea level is one of the highest lakes in the world. The drive to this lake is one of the most picturesque in all of Sikkim. Along the drive the landscape is a beautiful, lush green until you reach Thangu where, as you climb higher, the tree line disappears and the lush green panoramas turn into a barren and foreboding landscape.

Frozen for most of the year the lake is fabled as the site where both Guru Nanak and Guru Rinpoche are said to have paused while traveling through the region. These two men of God, Guru Nanak and Guru Rinpoche, are said to have helped the locals with sourcing water from the lake.

Our race starts at an elevated spur above the lake at an altitude of 17,800 ft.

General information

The Gurudongmar Marathon is a high altitude marathon so you will need to get here a few days prior to the race so that you can acclimatize. The race program is from 3rd June to 6th June 2019. 

Program details

1st June (Mon): Gangtok - Lachen

You need to reach the Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) terminal by 07:00 am to board our bus for Lachen. The journey can take 4-6 hours with permit checks in between. On arrival at Lachen you will be shown your dorm and you can explore the village of Lachen and rest to acclimatize to the height.   

2nd June (Tue): Lachen - Thangu

After an early breakfast, we board our bus for Thangu. The drive can take two to three hours depending on road and traffic consideration. You are on your own to explore this outback but should make it a point to crash in early as we have a very early start the next morning.

3rd June (Wed): Race Day & back to Lachen

An early wakeup call around 4 am, so that we can move to Guru Dongmar which can take an hour and a half or slightly more.  The race will be flagged off around 07:30 – 08:00 am and on completion of the race you will be transferred back to Lachen.

In the evening there will be a celebratory dinner with prize giving ceremony.

4th June (Thu): Return to Gangtok

After an early breakfast, we drive back to Gangtok. End of the program.

Important points

• Valid ID card is required for registration & inner line permits (Aadhar Card / Voter ID)
• One passport size photograph
• Registration closes on 15th May
• Runners need to reach Gangtok a day or two in advance