By Telangana Today
Copyright telanganatoday
Khammam: In yet another achievement, police officer, Pilli Raju successfully completed Ladakh Marathon, the world’s highest altitude marathon.
He finished the 42.195 km run in 5 hours and 36 minutes to earn a medal, which he said would cherish forever. This marathon held at an altitude of 11,500 to 17,618 feet poses a challenge to athletes as oxygen levels in the area are just about 50 percent of the normal level.
The Ladakh Marathon, which began as an initiative to inspire youth after the devastating 2010 flash floods, has been recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
Speaking to Telangana Today Raju noted that the marathon is not just a run but a test of endurance and dedication for the participants. The event was organised in an outstanding manner with hydration support provided by the Indian Army and ITBP was excellent.
The encouragement from local people in their traditional attire along with the breathtaking views of Leh, the Indus River and the Great Himalayas, made the run unforgettable. “As I neared the finish line, I thought of my wife Subharani and daughter Sara Mahajan, whose love gives me strength. As I crossed the finish line tears of joy rolled down” Raju said.
The Ladakh Marathon makes acclimatisation a greatest challenge and months of training helped to face demanding terrain and thin air, he said adding that by completing it he is qualified for 72 km Khardung-La Challenge, one of the toughest high-altitude runs in the world.
“The medal I received is not just a symbol of personal achievement but also a reflection of the encouragement and support I received from so many people” Raju said. He thanked IGP (Sports) Ramesh, Khammam CP, Sunil Datt, DCP (AR) Kumara Swamy, Admin (RI) Kamaraju and MTO Srisailam.
It might be recalled that Raju finished Spiti Marathon, an initiative of the Indian Army, organised in Spiti Valley on the China-Tibet border in Himachal Pradesh in August. Earlier this year, he finished the 60 KM Bison Ultra 2025 marathon organised at Yercaud near Salem in Tamil Nadu.
