Leh: Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Neha Devi has recorded a notable performance at the Khardung La Challenge 72K, finishing the high-altitude ultra marathon in 8 hours, 56 minutes and 15 seconds.
According to the published race results, Neha finished third in the Open Female category, behind Disket Dolma and Jigmet Dolma. The 72-km race was held on September 11 as part of the 13th Ladakh Marathon.
The Indian Air Force also congratulated her on X (formerly Twitter) for breaking the nine-hour barrier.
“Indian Air Force congratulates Sqn Ldr Neha for an outstanding performance at the Khardung La Challenge 72K, completing the gruelling race in 8:56:15 and securing 3rd position.”
The IAF further highlighted that her timing made her the first non-Ladakhi woman across the 13 editions of the Khardung La Challenge to finish under nine hours.
A Race at Extreme Altitude
The Khardung La Challenge is a 72-km ultra marathon that starts from Khardung Village in the Nubra Valley and takes runners towards Khardung La. The race reaches an altitude of 17,618 feet, with the official event website noting that roughly 60 km of the course is above 4,000 metres.
Read Also: Indian Air Force Unveils Dronathon 2026 To Accelerate Indigenous Drone Warfare Innovation
The 2026 edition had a 14-hour final cut-off, with intermediate cut-offs at different stages of the route.
The IAF described Neha’s performance as a test of physical and mental endurance at extreme altitude, calling it another milestone in the history of the ultra challenge.
Neha Devi’s Endurance Running Record
Neha Devi, an IAF officer from Jammu, has previously competed in multiple endurance events. Earlier in 2026, reports about her athletic journey noted that she had completed a 100-km ultra marathon in 9 hours and 52 minutes and had participated in several marathon and running events.
She joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013 and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2014, according to a defence spokesperson quoted in reports on her athletic career.
477 Ultra-Runners Took Part in Two Ladakh Ultras
The Khardung La Challenge was one of two major ultra races held as part of the 13th Ladakh Marathon this year. A total of 477 runners participated in the 72-km Khardung La Challenge and the 122-km Silk Route Ultra.
The 2026 Khardung La Challenge was won by Jigmet Stobdan of the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre in 6:00:03, followed by Shabir Hussain in 6:26:24 and Singay Angchok in 6:34:12 in the men’s category. In the women’s category, Disket Dolma won in 7:03:26, followed by Jigmet Dolma in 8:33:16 and Neha Devi in 8:56:15.
The Ladakh Marathon has been held since 2012 and is recognised as the world’s highest AIMS-certified marathon, with the event featuring six different races.
About Neha Devi
Squadron Leader Neha Devi is an Indian Air Force officer from Jammu and an endurance runner. She joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013 and was commissioned into the IAF in June 2014. She has participated in multiple marathon and ultra-running events, including a 100-km ultra marathon, and has been reported for completing several long-distance races while continuing her service in the IAF.
Read Also: What Is The OODA Loop And Why Does The Indian Air Force Want To Shorten It?
