Ajmer's Sufiya Sufi Runs Manali-Leh In 98.5 Hours; Sets Guinness World Record

Indian ultra runner Sufiya Sufi from Ajmer has carved her name into sporting history by completing the unforgiving 480-kilometre Manali-to-Leh run in 98 hours and 27 minutes, setting a new Guinness World Record. Though Sufiya completed the run in August 2023, the officialGuinness World Record certificate arrived in early 2026, delayed due to administrative and customs processes 

The Testing Route

The route is known for its tough climate, and the test of grit and endurance is real here.Stretching from Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh, the run crosses five high altitude mountain passes and climbs over 8,500 metres in elevation.

On X ( formarly Twitter), Sufiya shared “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 fellow runners poured in with praise, acknowledging the harsh terrain and the  determination required to complete such a demanding challenge.

The fastest run from Manali to Leh, across all five high passes. 🏔️🏃🏻‍♀️
A high altitude endurance running challenge with elevation gain of more than 8500 meters.

Target: 100 hours.
Finished in 98 hours 27 minutes.

The record was made and approved in 2023, but the Official… pic.twitter.com/IHArGML81V

— Sufiya Sufi Runner (@sufirunner) January 31, 2026

From Aviation to Endurance

Sufiya Sufi’s journey is as compelling as her records. Born in 1987 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, she spent nearly a decade in the aviation industry before turning to long-distance running to improve her fitness and break free from routine. What began as a personal pursuit soon reshaped her life and identity.

Her rise in ultra-running includes multiple Guinness World Records. In 2018, she set the record for the most marathons run by a woman in a year, followed by the Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari run around 4,000 km in 87 days and the Golden Quadrilateral run of 6,002 km in 110 days. These feats required intense physical endurance, mental strength, and detailed planning, supported by her family, sponsors, and a dedicated support crew.

Her growing impact has also drawn corporate recognition, with Hindustan Zinc Limited naming her a brand ambassador in October 2024. Looking ahead, Sufi aims to take on a global “Run Around the Globe” expedition, using endurance running to promote Humanity, Oneness, Peace, and Equality.

Sufiya Sufi’s Manali-Leh run is not just a sporting milestone, it is a reminder of what consistent effort, mental strength, and belief can achieve.