Ajmer’s Sufiya completes Manali to Leh run in 98 hours, earns Guinness World Record

Ajmer (The Uttam Hindu): The long wait has finally ended for Indian ultra-distance runner Sufiya Sufi. The 38-year-old athlete from Ajmer, Rajasthan, has officially received the Guinness World Records certificate for completing the extremely challenging Manali to Leh route by running. She covered the 480-kilometre distance in just 98 hours and 27 minutes, becoming the fastest woman to achieve this feat. By breaking the symbolic 100-hour benchmark, Sufiya created history, a milestone no other female runner had achieved before.

Victory amid snow and low oxygen

Sufiya’s achievement stands as a remarkable example of human endurance. Running from Manali to Leh is considered one of the toughest routes due to its high altitude and harsh terrain. The route includes five major Himalayan passes, including Rohtang Pass and Tanglang La. During the run, Sufiya faced an elevation gain of over 8,500 metres, freezing temperatures, and extremely low oxygen levels. Despite these severe conditions, she completed the run successfully and etched her name in the record books.

Two-year wait for the certificate

Interestingly, Sufiya completed this historic run in 2023, and Guinness World Records had approved it the same year. However, due to administrative procedures and customs clearance delays, the official certificate reached her only in early 2026. After receiving it, Sufiya shared her happiness on social media and thanked her sponsors and support team. She also mentioned the delay in a light-hearted manner, saying that the reward for her hard work finally arrived.

From aviation to ultra-running

Sufiya’s journey is deeply inspiring for young athletes. Born in 1987, she worked in the aviation industry for nearly 10 years. What began as a way to improve fitness and escape work stress soon turned into her passion. Earlier, she has also created Guinness records by running Kashmir to Kanyakumari (4,000 km in 87 days) and the Golden Quadrilateral (6,002 km in 110 days). Currently a brand ambassador of Hindustan Zinc, Sufiya is now preparing for her ambitious ‘Run Around the Globe’ campaign, aiming to spread the message of humanity and peace through long-distance running across countries.