India’s premier ultra-runner, Sufiya Khan from Ajmer, Rajasthan, has officially secured the Guinness World Record for the fastest time by a female to traverse India on foot, running the length from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
The 4,035-kilometer epic run, which she undertook for her “Mission HOPE” (Humanity, Oneness, Peace, Equality), was completed in a phenomenal 87 days, 2 hours, and 17 minutes.
Sufiya Khan began her challenging journey from Srinagar, Kashmir, on April 25, 2019, and reached Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on July 21, 2019.
- Distance: The route covered approximately 4,035 km (4,000 km), stretching from the northernmost point of India to the southernmost tip of the mainland.
- Time: She completed the mammoth task in 87 days, significantly beating her initial goal of 100 days.
- Daily Average: Sufiya, a self-taught athlete, maintained an average daily distance of over 45 kilometers throughout the expedition.
The former airline ground staff, who left her job in 2017 to pursue her passion for ultra-running, overcame extreme challenges including a brief hospitalisation due to a lung issue early in the run, harsh weather conditions, and running through heavy traffic and pollution.
The Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari record is one of multiple world-class achievements for the Ajmer-born athlete. Sufiya Khan also holds the Guinness World Record for:
- Fastest female to run the Indian Golden Quadrilateral Road (6,002 km in 110 days, 23 hours).
- Fastest female to traverse Manali-Leh (480 km in 6 days, 12 hours).
Her incredible feats continue to inspire runners across the country, as she pushes the boundaries of human endurance and mental strength.
