Indian woman enters Guinness World Records for running Manali to Leh in under 100 hours

Indian woman sets Guinness World Record with Manali–Leh run under 100 hours

Indian ultra-distance and long-distance runner Sufiya Sufi has received her official certificate from the Guinness World Records for completing the gruelling Manali–Leh high-altitude run in under 100 hours, a feat no other woman has achieved so far.

The record recognises Sufi’s fastest run from Manali to Leh, a distance of roughly 470–480 km, across five high mountain passes in the Himalayas. The endurance challenge involved an elevation gain of more than 8,500 metres, making it one of the toughest long-distance running routes in the world. She completed the run in 98 hours and 27 minutes, narrowly beating the 100-hour target.

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

Sharing the update on X, Sufi said the record was officially approved in 2023, but the certificate took its own sweet time to reach her. “The fastest run from Manali to Leh, across all five high passes high-altitude endurance running challenge… Target: 100 hours. Finished in 98 hours 27 minutes. The record was made and approved in 2023, but the official certificate decided to take the scenic route through delivery gateways and Indian Customs. Now it’s finally home,” she wrote, thanking her sponsors and supporters.

The post drew praise from users, many of whom were familiar with the route’s difficulty. One user commented that having travelled the stretch by bike, they understood how punishing the high passes can be, calling Sufi’s achievement “really commendable” and asking what her next challenge would be.

Sufiya Sufi is no stranger to extreme endurance feats and world records. She has previously set multiple Guinness World Records, including becoming the fastest woman to run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and completing the Golden Quadrilateral run, covering over 6,000 km across India. She has also undertaken ultra-distance runs in harsh terrains and climates in the country, cementing her reputation as one of India’s most accomplished endurance runners.