Indian ultra-distance runner Sufiya Sufi, 38, from Ajmer, Rajasthan, has formally received her Guinness World Record certificate for completing the punishing Manali-Leh high-altitude run in 98 hours and 27 minutes a feat no other woman has achieved.
The record, originally approved in 2023, covers nearly 480 kilometres across five high Himalayan mountain passes, with an elevation gain of more than 8,500 metres, icy temperatures, and extreme oxygen depletion.
Sufi’s achievement has attracted praise from running enthusiasts, sponsors, and the wider public after the certificate reached her in early 2026 following a prolonged delay in delivery channels and customs clearance. Her supporters celebrated the landmark honour, marking another milestone in an already remarkable athletic journey.
Historic Run Across Himalayan Heights
Sufiya Sufi’s record-setting performance on the Manali-Leh route pushes the boundaries of human endurance sport. The challenge starts in the Himalayan resort town of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, and winds across five high passes including Rohtang and Tanglang La to Leh in Ladakh, traversing rough terrain and freezing conditions that routinely plunge below sub-zero temperatures. The extreme altitude means oxygen levels in the air are significantly lower than at sea level, compounding physical strain for even the most seasoned athletes.
Completing this grueling journey in 98 hours and 27 minutes, Sufi became the fastest woman ever to traverse this Himalayan expanse on foot. Her time narrowly beat the symbolic 100-hour benchmark set for the challenge.
Though the run itself was completed and recognised by Guinness World Records in 2023, the physical certificate took nearly two years to reach her due to administration and customs delays a fact Sufi has publicly noted with a touch of humour and gratitude.
In her message on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), Sufi described the run as “the fastest from Manali to Leh across all five high passes,” and thanked her sponsors, support crew, and well-wishers for standing by her during preparation and recovery.
Followers on social media and members of the running community responded with admiration and encouragement, reflecting on the punishing nature of the terrain and the grit it takes to succeed.
From Aviation to Ultra-Running Stardom
Sufiya Sufi’s story is as inspirational as the record itself. Born in 1987 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, she worked in the aviation industry for nearly a decade before turning her attention to long-distance running. What began as a way to improve fitness and escape the monotony of her job evolved into a passion for endurance sport that would redefine her life and professional identity.
Her ascent in the ultra-running world has been marked by a series of extraordinary achievements. In 2018, she earned a Guinness World Record for the most marathons run in a calendar year by a woman.
She later ran the Kashmir to Kanyakumari route, covering roughly 4,000 km in 87 days another Guinness-certified performance. Shortly after, she completed the Golden Quadrilateral, a 6,002-km run around India’s major highways, in just 110 days, achieving yet another world record.
Each of these runs demanded not only extraordinary physical strength, but also intense mental preparation and logistical planning. Sufi credits her family, especially her partner who often serves as her support crew, and her sponsors for much of her success. She has also spoken openly about the challenges of acclimatising to high altitudes and the extensive training routines required to prepare her body for thin air and harsh temperatures.
Her expanding list of accomplishments caught the attention of corporate partners as well. In October 2024, Hindustan Zinc Limited signed Sufiya as a brand ambassador, signalling corporate confidence in her ability to inspire communities and promote fitness as a lifestyle while she pursues more ambitious goals on the global stage.
Beyond these national feats, Sufi has set her sights on international challenges. According to previous interviews and plans she has shared publicly, she aims to undertake a “Run Around the Globe” expedition, covering tens of thousands of kilometres across multiple continents a project she frames as a mission for Humanity, Oneness, Peace, and Equality (HOPE).
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sufiya Sufi’s odyssey is a powerful testament to human resilience, courage and the transformative potential of chasing dreams with unwavering resolve. Her journey from a stable job in aviation to the unforgiving heights of Himalayan run trails demonstrates a profound commitment to personal growth and self-belief.
In a world often overshadowed by stories of conflict, division and despair, her achievements offer uplifting narratives that champion perseverance, compassion and the celebration of human capability.
