Leh, Sep 11: Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Malla of Kutabradie, Kulgam, has achieved a remarkable feat of endurance by successfully completing the 72-km Khardung La Challenge, one of the world’s toughest high-altitude ultra-marathons.
Dr Malla completed the gruelling race, organised as part of the 13th Ladakh Marathon, which was held on September 11 and took runners through the challenging terrain of Ladakh to Khardung La at an altitude of 17,618 feet. The official event website describes the Khardung La Challenge as one of the highest and most demanding ultra-marathons in the world.
According to race-related information, Dr Malla completed the 72-km challenge in 11 hours, 20 minutes and 9 seconds, enduring extreme altitude, thin air and demanding mountain terrain.
A medical doctor and hybrid athlete, Dr Malla has built his endurance career through participation in challenging races, including the Border Ultra in Jaisalmer and the Goa Ultra, before taking on the Khardung La Challenge.
His achievement is being described as a landmark accomplishment for endurance sport in Kashmir, with Dr Malla reported to be the first athlete from the Kashmir Valley to complete the Khardung La Challenge.
Speaking about his achievement, Dr Malla dedicated the accomplishment to the youth of Kashmir and urged young people to embrace fitness, discipline and a healthy lifestyle.
“If my journey inspires even one young person to choose health and discipline, that is true success,” he said.
The 2026 Khardung La Challenge brought together ultra-runners from across the country for a demanding test of physical endurance and mental resilience. A total of 477 ultra-runners participated in the two high-altitude ultra events of the Ladakh Marathon this year, including the 72-km Khardung La Challenge and the 122-km Silk Route Ultra. (Ladakh Administration⁠)
Dr Malla’s achievement adds another notable chapter to Kashmir’s growing presence in endurance and adventure sports.
