In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, record-breaking ultra-runner and Under Armour athlete Sufiya Sufi opens up about the mental and physical extremes of endurance running, her wildest hallucinations on the road and more
Tejal Sinha
On an open road where the horizon never ends and the only sound is the rhythmic beat of footfalls against earth, Sufiya Sufi runs—not away from something, but towards a purpose.
A former ground staff at Delhi Airport who once watched planes take off, she now charts her own flight path—on foot. From battling collapsed lungs mid-run to hallucinating on Himalayan trails, Sufiya isn’t just India’s fastest ultra-runner—she’s a living testament to what happens when endurance meets obsession, and grit transforms into glory.
Now, with multiple records behind her and a globe-trotting run ahead, she’s out to prove one thing: the human spirit, when ignited, knows no finish line.
For someone who runs thousands of kilometers across the Indian subcontinent, there’s no such thing as a “normal” day. With each expedition, Sufiya dives deep into the unknown—mentally and physically. And along the way, she’s had some truly unexpected thoughts. “Long runs often bring thoughts that range from deeply philosophical to completely absurd (she laughs). There have been times when I’ve wondered whether I could just keep running forever—if my body could adapt to never stopping, only moving from one place to another like a nomad with no destination.”
It was during her first major expedition—the Golden Triangle Run from Delhi to Agra to Jaipur and back—that an idea was born. “That’s when the thought of running from Kashmir to Kanyakumari came to me. And in 2019, when I actually reached Kanyakumari, I had another wild idea: what if I could do a circumnavigation of the world on foot?”
Her life, it seems, is a marathon of dreams—each more audacious than the last. When asked whether it’s harder to battle physical exhaustion or mental demons during her runs, Sufiya doesn’t hesitate.
“The body can be trained to survive pain. But the mind is a different battle altogether.” She recalls a turning point during her Kashmir to Kanyakumari run, where things took a frightening turn. “My lung collapsed after 450 km in Jalandhar. The physical struggle was intense, but the mental challenge of not giving up was even harder.” It’s in moments like these that she leans on her purpose, her “why.” And also, her gear. “In the professional scene, it’s not just about finishing the run; your gear can greatly impact your performance. I rely on Under Armour’s shoes—they’ve helped me improve my speed and endurance. The right support allows me to stay focused and conquer those mental demons.”
Running for days without sleep in the Himalayas is bound to mess with your mind. And yes, Sufiya has hallucinated during extreme runs. “It usually happens when exhaustion takes over and my mind starts playing tricks on me,” she says. “The road starts to shift and ripple, like I’m running on water. Shadows from rocks appear as animals or people. It’s a strange experience, but I’ve learned to recognise when my mind is tricking me.” Then, with a touch of sass, they’d add: “But next time, maybe a little more stretching, a bit more recovery and please—some extra love before you throw us into another crazy adventure.”
Ultra-running isn’t just a solo sport—it’s a journey through humanity. And sometimes, one moment changes everything. During her 2018 Golden Triangle Run, an encounter with an elderly one-legged cyclist travelling from Odisha to Amritsar on a religious journey left a lasting impact.
“He shared his story, his struggles and how he kept motivating himself despite all the challenges. At that moment, I realised that the journey was not just about physical endurance—it was about resilience, purpose and faith. Before I could even thank him, he smiled and pedalled away, leaving me with a lesson I would never forget.”
Sufiya has seen India in a way few people ever will—step by step. But one place remains etched in her memory: Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh. “The landscape is rugged and almost surreal,” she says. “Towering mountains, winding roads, and deep gorges—it felt like I was running on the edge of the world. Completely disconnected from modern distractions.”
If she could relive one expedition, it would be the Trans India Running Challenge—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
“It wasn’t just a test of endurance; it was a journey through the heart of India. Every state, every person I met made it unforgettable. It changed me—it was about connection, culture and realising the power of human strength.”
Now, she’s preparing for her biggest challenge yet—Run Around the Globe, a 40,000 km journey to be completed in 740 days, aiming to become the first female runner to complete such a feat.
Not all running advice is gospel and Sufiya has no problem calling it out. “One piece of advice I think is complete nonsense is ‘Always run through the pain.’ Pushing through discomfort is part of training, but ignoring real pain can lead to serious injuries. There’s a huge difference between challenging yourself and damaging yourself.”
She also stresses the importance of proper gear. “Wearing the wrong shoes or gear can cause strain. Under Armour’s running shoes give me cushioning and speed, and their Launch Apparel is lightweight and perfect for long runs. It really makes a difference.” You’d think someone who runs thousands of kilometers would be fearless. But even Sufiya has her anxieties. “The unpredictability of nature always humbles me,” she admits. “Extreme weather—heat, cold, or rain—there’s always something unexpected. It reminds me to stay adaptable and respect the journey.”
Elite athlete or not, post-run cravings are real. “I often crave burgers and fries after long runs. It’s such a simple joy—it makes all the hard work worth it.”
But during a run? Anything goes. “The weirdest thing I’ve eaten is aloo paratha and Maggi noodles,” she laughs. “Once, I craved Chinese food, got some Manchurian and fried rice and ended up with food poisoning. I was hospitalised but still kept going. Lesson learned—stick to simple food during ultras!”
There are moments when even Sufiya feels like quitting. But she always finds a reason to continue. “In those moments, I remind myself why I started—whether it’s a personal goal, a record, or the people who believe in me. The finish line always makes every struggle worth it.”
Music helps too. Her go-to song for motivation? “Hall of Fame by The Script. The lyrics about pushing limits and leaving a legacy resonate deeply with me.”
