Telangana constable Pilli Raju completes 72-km Khardung La Challenge

Telangana police constable Pilli Raju completed the 72-km Khardung La Challenge in Ladakh, finishing among 110 of 250 selected runners. He overcame freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels and high altitude, and credited his family, colleagues and fellow runners for their support.

Khammam: In yet another achievement Telangana police constable Pilli Raju successfully completed Khardung La Challenge (72 km), the brutal high-altitude Ultra Marathon in the World that tests the runners’ endurance.

Of the 250 selected runners, he is among the 110 runners who reached the finish line overcoming adverse weather conditions like freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels and an altitude of 17,618 feet that test mental fortitude, recently.

---

Speaking to Telangana Today Raju informed that the run starts at 3 am from Khardung village ascends 32 km up to Khardung La top and then descends roughly 40 km through South Pullu during which he had to contend with bitterly cold winds as well as intense heat and stifling humidity during the afternoon before reaching finish point at Leh Market.

Raju described the special appreciation he received from Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena after completing the Khardung La Challenge as an unforgettable moment. “That appreciation serves as great inspiration for me to take on more challenges in the future,” he stated.

He thanked the encouragement and guidance provided by ACP Tirupati Reddy, who had introduced him to marathons and supported him from the very beginning. Mahabubnagar District Fire Officer GV Prasad who participated in the run offered him significant encouragement.

Raju highlighted the invaluable support of fellow runner Anil Goud from Bengaluru, who stands by him during every run. He stated that they have successfully completed numerous long-distance running events together.

He said the encouragement from his family members, his wife, Shubha Rani, in particular has been crucial to his success. He noted that she pays special attention to his nutritional needs during training and also supports him as a sponsor.

Raju mentioned that he serves as a brand ambassador for various marathons across the country, raising awareness about health and fitness among the youth and widely promoting an anti-drug message “Run for Health – Say No to Drugs,” through his runs.