Did Sufiya Sufi and Tsewang Kundan Triumph in the Silk Route Ultra at the Ladakh Marathon?

Leh, Sep 12 (NationPress) Five-time Guinness World Record Holder Sufiya Sufi and local hero Tsewang Kundan triumphed in the Silk Route Ultra during the 12th iteration of the Ladakh Marathon, which witnessed a record-breaking participation of 6,600 runners across six events.

This year's marathon was historic as it attracted participants from every Indian state and Union Territory, alongside athletes from 30 different nations, solidifying the event’s reputation as a major highlight on the global running calendar.

The Silk Route Ultra is considered one of the most challenging endurance races worldwide, featuring a grueling 122 km course that begins in the breathtaking Nubra Valley, ascends the intimidating Khardung La Top at an elevation of 17,618 ft, and finishes at the vibrant Leh Market.

This year, 76 runners tackled the daunting course, with Tsewang Kundan from the Ladakh Scouts seizing the men’s title in an impressive time of 13 hours, 50 minutes, and one second. His regiment showcased remarkable performances, securing multiple podium finishes, including both runner-up spots in the Silk Route Ultra.

On the women's side, Sufiya Sufi clocked in at 19 hours, 12 minutes, and 36 seconds, upgrading from her previous year’s third-place finish.

Earlier that morning, the Khardung La Challenge, a 72 km Ultramarathon, commenced at 3:00 am from Khardung Village, with over 280 participants.

Shabir Hussain and perennial champion Namgyal Lhamo excelled in their respective categories, with Shabir winning the men’s race in 6 hours, 58 minutes, and 40 seconds, while Namgyal took the women's title in just over eight-and-a-half hours.

The prize distribution ceremonies were hosted at Leh Market, where DGP Ladakh Police Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal recognized the winners of the Silk Route Ultra, and Maj. General Parveen Chhabra, VSM, honored the champions of the Khardung La Challenge.

Race Director of the Ladakh Marathon, Chewang Motup Goba, expressed heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants, highlighting the mental and physical challenges posed by these ultramarathons in one of the world’s toughest terrains. “To achieve what they have achieved shows incredible resilience and determination,” he stated.

In the veteran categories, standout performances were noted, with Indore’s Vijay Kumar Singh claiming the men’s title in the Khardung La Challenge (8:59:04) and Bengaluru’s Rita Satish Patkar winning the women’s race (12:41:48). In the Silk Route Ultra, Uttarakhand’s Shivanand Dangwal emerged victorious in the veteran men’s category with a time of 18:32:24.

Founded as a symbol of resilience following the 2010 flash floods, the Ladakh Marathon was officially established in 2012 to showcase Ladakh on the global running stage. Over the past decade, it has evolved into one of India’s largest and most unique races, drawing thousands of runners from across the globe annually.

The 12th edition of the marathon will continue with the 5 km Run for Fun on Saturday, September 13, culminating with the 11.2 km Run, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon the following day.