At an altitude where every breath can feel like a challenge, Squadron Leader Neha Devi has delivered a remarkable feat of endurance.

The Indian Air Force officer completed the 72-km Khardung La Challenge in 8 hours, 56 minutes and 15 seconds, securing third place in the Open Female category. Her performance has earned accolades from the Indian Air Force and a place in the history of one of India’s toughest ultra-running events.

More remarkably, Neha became the first non-Ladakhi woman across all 13 editions of the Khardung La Challenge to break the nine-hour mark.

A Race That Tests Every Limit

The Khardung La Challenge is not an ordinary long-distance race. The route climbs to an extreme altitude of 17,618 feet, while around 60 km of the course lies above 4,000 metres, according to the event organisers.

At such heights, the thin air adds another layer of difficulty to an already demanding 72-km course. Every kilometre calls for physical stamina, mental strength and the determination to keep moving when the body is being pushed to its limits. 

Neha's 8:56:15 finish shows just how extraordinary her endurance is. She finished behind Disket Dolma, who won the women's category in 7:03:26, and Jigmet Dolma, who took second place in 8:33:16.

From the IAF to Ultra Running

An Indian Air Force officer from Jammu, Neha has built an impressive record in endurance running alongside her military career.

She joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013 and was commissioned into the IAF in June 2014. Her running journey includes several marathon and ultra-running events. Earlier in 2026, she was also reported to have completed a 100-km ultra marathon in 9 hours and 52 minutes.

The clock stopped at 8:56:15, but Neha’s achievement went far beyond the numbers. She had conquered 72 gruelling kilometres at extreme altitude and, in the process, become the first non-Ladakhi woman to finish the challenge in under nine hours. It was a race against distance, altitude and fatigue—and Neha emerged with a place in Khardung La’s history.