Who Is Sufiya Khan: Sufiya Khan is the first female runner in the world to complete Manali to Leh Ultramarathon. She accomplished the feat in just 6 days. The ultra-marathon commenced on September 25, 2021 at 7.34 a.m. and concluded on October 1, 2021. She covered a distance of 480 km in 156 hours.
Here’s what you should know about her and her accomplishment
- Prior to the run, Sufiya dedicated 15 days to acclimatize herself and diligently focused on strength exercises to prepare for the demanding high-altitude mountains and endless incline roads.
- Complementing her physical training, she practiced Yoga and Pranayama, fortifying her lungs and mental endurance.
- During the intense journey, Sufiya experienced moments where her body’s oxygen levels dropped to a critical 59 percent, leading to fainting spells, but her unwavering determination and the support of her team pushed her to resume her running.
- Notably, she is a two-time Guinness Record Holder, first securing the title in 2019 for becoming the fastest female to run along “The Indian Golden Quadrilateral Road.”
- Looking ahead, Sufiya sets her sights on a grand challenge – running around the world, for which she has already embarked on preparations.
- Previously working as a ground handler at the Delhi airport for a decade, she took the courageous step of leaving her job in 2019 to pursue her passion for running.
- Sufiya’s inspirational journey was shaped by personal challenges as she lost her father at the age of 16, but her resilient spirit was nurtured by her single mother who raised her.
- In an interview, she highlighted the multitude of benefits that running brings, ranging from fostering a positive outlook on life to building physical and mental strength, and enhancing decision-making capabilities.
- As a strong advocate for running, Sufiya underscores its significance for women, as it empowers them to embrace a healthier lifestyle, combat depression, and protect against various lifestyle diseases.
