In the ultimate test of human endurance, Capt Amritkoijam, a 48-year-old former Army officer from Manipur, etched his name into the record books at the Pangong Frozen Lake Half Marathon 2026. At an staggering altitude of 14,270 feet, this race is officially recognized as the world’s highest frozen lake marathon—a place where the air is thin and the spirit is tested.
Braving sub-zero temperatures, treacherous ice, and bone-chilling Himalayan winds, Capt Amritkoijam clocked a remarkable 3 hours and 5 minutes for the 21 km course. Among a field of 470 elite runners, he stood out as the sole representative from Manipur, carrying the pride of his state across the frozen expanse of Ladakh.
His finish is more than a sporting achievement; it is a masterclass in military-grade discipline and resilience. In an environment where oxygen is a luxury, Capt Amritkoijam proved that age and altitude are no match for a warrior’s resolve.