Sufiya Sufi: From Baggage Handler to Record-Breaking Ultra-Runner

Ajmer-born Sufiya Sufi, a former baggage handling officer at Delhi’s IGI airport, has transformed herself into an ultra-runner and Guinness World Record holder. Her journey began with a three-kilometer run every day after work, leading to five Guinness World Records, including a 4,000 km run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in 87 days.

Running, for Sufiya, is more than record-breaking; it’s therapy, a chance to explore her country, connect with strangers, and escape the daily grind. It’s about pushing her limits and finding freedom outside the 9-to-5 routine. Sufiya, now officially known as ‘Runner,’ recently completed the Manali-Leh circuit in just 97 hours, becoming the fastest runner in the world in both male and female categories.

She acknowledges that ultra-running is still seeking recognition in India and relies on crowdfunding and private sponsorships to fuel her adventures. In 2025, she plans to undertake the ‘Run Around the Globe,’ covering 30,000 km in 680 days, a feat that no female runner has attempted before.