The delay in the Guinness World Records certificate reaching its rightful owner was documented by Indian long-distance runner Sufiya Sufi. She blamed bottlenecks and obstacles at delivery gates, including customs, for taking years to reach her destination.
Sufiya Sufi secured the title after completing the grueling Manali-Leh high altitude run in less than 100 hours. This was a remarkable feat that no other woman had yet accomplished. She covered a distance of almost 480 kilometers on foot in 98 hours and 27 minutes.
Posting on X on Sturdy, Sufiya Sufi said: “Fastest run from Manali to Leh, over all five high passes. 🏔️🏃🏻♀️High altitude endurance run with over 8500 meters of elevation gain.”
Blaming Indian customs for the two-year delay, she added: “The record was created and approved in 2023, but the official certificate decided to take a scenic route through the delivery gates and Indian customs. Now it’s finally home.”
She crossed five high mountain passes in the Himalayas in the fastest run from Manali to Leh. Expressing her gratitude, she closed the post by saying, “Grateful. Proud. And thank you from the bottom of my heart to my sponsors and everyone who believed in me and supported me and believed in me.”
The challenge included more than 8,500 meters of elevation gain, making it one of the toughest long-distance running routes in the world.
Reaction on social networks
While social media users may praise the exceptional achievement, others have shared their experiences.
One user wrote: “This is absolutely insane, in the best way. To cross Manali to Leh at such altitude is brutal and to finish under 100 hours shows incredible grit and discipline. Records are great but the endurance behind it is even greater.”
Another user commented: “Congratulations Sufiyo. I’ve cycled this route and know how challenging those high passes can be. Your achievement is truly commendable. What’s next for you?”
A third user said: “Amazing performance! We felt it was tough on the bikes in the twenties.”
A fourth comment read: “Wow, that’s an incredible achievement. Maybe it will serve as an inspiration to the younger, energetic bunch who currently crowd these picturesque spots with their vehicles and rowdy behavior.”
Sufiya Sufi holds several other notable titles, including several Guinness World Records. She became the fastest woman to run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. She established herself as one of India’s most successful endurance runners and also completed the Golden Quadrilateral, covering a huge distance of over 6,000 km. In just 110 days, she covered four major cities in the Quadrilateral run.
