Lt Col Preeti Poniya Wins Gold at Ladakh Marathon at 11,500 Feet

Lieutenant Colonel Preeti Poniya of the Indian Army has won a gold medal in her category at the Ladakh Marathon 2026, completing the 21.0975-km Half Marathon at an altitude of about 11,500 feet.Poniya completed the challenging race in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 43 seconds, according to the provisional timing reported for the event. Her performance came in demanding high-altitude conditions, where lower oxygen levels can make endurance activities more difficult.

Originally from Agra, Poniya is currently posted in Leh. Her participation in the Ladakh Marathon gave her an opportunity to compete in an event conducted in the mountainous terrain of Ladakh while also demonstrating her endurance and physical conditioning.

The Half Marathon covers a distance of 21.0975 kilometres and forms part of the Ladakh Marathon, an event that attracts runners to one of the world’s highest regions for organised long-distance races. Participants have to contend not only with the distance but also with the elevation and terrain.

Poniya’s gold medal adds another sporting achievement to her military career. Serving personnel routinely undergo physically demanding training as part of their professional responsibilities, and endurance events can provide an additional test of stamina and preparation.

The race also presented a particular challenge because of the elevation at which it was held. At approximately 11,500 feet above sea level, the availability of oxygen is significantly lower than at ground level. Runners competing at such heights therefore need to adapt to the environment while maintaining their pace over the course. Poniya participated in the race with Bib No. 25447. Her result has drawn attention within military and sporting circles, particularly because she completed the demanding half-marathon distance while competing at high altitude.

The Ladakh Marathon has increasingly provided a platform for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to test themselves against the region’s distinctive conditions. Poniya’s performance at the 2026 edition highlighted the combination of endurance running and high-altitude challenges that define the event. Her gold-medal finish adds to the Indian Army’s record of personnel participating in competitive sporting events and demonstrates the role of physical fitness and endurance beyond routine military training.