Lanuakum Longkumer of Nagaland has completed the Ladakh Marathon, billed as the “World’s Highest Marathon,” finishing 36th overall and 8th in his age category on September 13. The runner from Ungma village in Mokokchung clocked 3 hours, 55 minutes and 30 seconds over the 42.195-kilometre course, one of the world’s most gruelling endurance events.
A banker by profession who describes himself as “a non-elite distance runner, and an amateur kettlebell sports athlete,” Longkumer also holds four national and Grand Prix gold medals along with six state championship titles.
The marathon takes runners through Ladakh’s demanding terrain at elevations of roughly 11,500 feet and higher. “Its unique geography, extreme conditions and demanding course make it a distinctive challenge for runners from around the world,” he told The Morung Express.
The race pushed him to his limits. After the 36-kilometre mark, he recalled, “I began to feel dizzy and nauseated. My legs were exhausted, and moving became increasingly difficult.” He alternated between jogging and walking through the final four kilometres before crossing the finish line, a moment he described as deeply emotional. “It was more than completing a marathon; it was the fulfilment of a dream that had taken years to realise,” he said, adding that endurance demands patience, discipline and mental resilience as much as physical strength.
Longkumer said representing Nagaland on such a platform was an honour beyond words, calling the feat “a moment of pride for my family and, I hope, an encouragement to fellow runners from Nagaland.” He stressed that the achievement represents years of preparation, sacrifice and the courage to pursue a dream despite obstacles.
Getting to Ladakh, he noted, is neither easy nor inexpensive, requiring careful planning for registration, qualifying certificates, flights and accommodation. He was accompanied by his wife Kavita, who completed the 21-kilometre Half Marathon with an excellent finishing time. He credited her, his constant running partner, as a source of support whose “dedication inspires me.”
On their first visit to Ladakh, the couple followed the organisers’ acclimatisation guidelines, arriving well ahead of race day to allow their bodies to adjust. They treated hydration as non-negotiable, adapted to reduced appetites at altitude and stayed alert to symptoms of acute mountain sickness. Beyond the race, they explored Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley, the Siachen border region, Rezang La, Sumur, Pangong Tso and Hanle.
Longkumer trained for months while balancing work and personal responsibilities, emphasising consistency, nutrition, hydration, sleep and recovery. “My advice is simple: set a goal, prepare intelligently, remain consistent and respect the limits of your body,” he said, urging aspiring runners not to underestimate the demands of high-altitude running.
Expressing hope that his journey would motivate others to pursue goals they once thought impossible, he said, “If I have been able to inspire even one person, I would consider that a blessing.” The Ladakh Marathon, he added, was one dream fulfilled, and a reminder that “the journey of discovery is far from over.”
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/nagalands-lanuakum-longkumer-among-finishers-of-worlds-highest-marathon
Category: Morung Exclusive , Sports
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Publish Date: 2026-10-19 23:45:00
