Hindustan Times ·
Ladakh Marathon’s fight against plastic: 20 PET bottles, one race bib and a lesson for young India
20 PET bottles for a race bib: How Ladakh Marathon is using young runners to fight plastic waste and spread environmental awareness.
Ladakh: Ladakh Marathon produced another incredible edition in 2026, with its various races drawing participants from across the country and captivating audiences in Ladakh and beyond. The event featured several high-octane races, including the 122 km Silk Route Ultra, 72 km Khardung La Challenge, a full marathon and many more. However, whenever an event of this scale takes place, one issue inevitably comes under the scanner: the use of plastic. At the Ladakh Marathon, though, despite multiple races being held over four days, organisers ensured that the environment remained a priority, while also sending a strong message against single-use plastics and raising awareness among participants.
The event attracted a large number of participants and also boosted tourism, leading to a surge in the use of plastic water and soft-drink bottles. But Chewang Motup Goba, the man behind the Ladakh Marathon, found a way to tackle the problem by announcing an innovative initiative: students who submitted 20 PET bottles would get free entry, including a bib, to the 5 km Race for Fun. The message was taken to schools across Ladakh, drawing an enthusiastic response from students.