Telangana: Khammam’s cop Pilli Raju finishes high altitude Spiti Full Marathon

Khammam constable Pilli Raju completed the challenging Spiti Full Marathon in 6.13 hours at 15,000 ft altitude, earning the ‘Best Motivator Runner’ title. The seasoned athlete now boasts over 300 medals and recently finished the 60 km Bison Ultra as well

Khammam: Khammam police commissionerate’s armed reserve (AR) constable Pilli Raju has added yet another medal to his over 300-medal haul by finishing a high altitude Spiti Full Marathon.

Spiti Marathon, an initiative of the Indian Army, was organised in Spiti Valley on the China-Tibet border in Himachal Pradesh on August 24. The race that takes place amidst the Himalayan Mountains through pristine snow-capped mountains, rivers and ancient monasteries attracts runners from across the world.

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It is a challenge for runners as they race at an altitude ranging between 11,000 to 15,000 feet. The lack of oxygen at this altitude makes it tough for runners to keep up the pace. Raju, a seasoned runner, completed the 42.195 km race in 6.13 hours against the cut-off time of 7 hours

Speaking to ‘Telangana Today‘, Raju said the Spiti Full Marathon is a unique and demanding race set in one of the most remote and stunning high-altitude landscapes in the world. Thin mountain air and rugged trails at every turn are a test of endurance.

Months of dedicated training are essential as the race requires high levels of physical and mental ability. To avoid altitude sickness, it is important for a runner to reach the area three to four days ahead of the event to acclimatise their body to the local weather conditions, the constable said.

The race starts at Sumdo, passes through Giu, Hurling and ends at Sumdo. The race gives runners an opportunity to cherish the beauty of the mountains and explore new limits within themselves, noted Raju, who was congratulated by Commissioner of Police Sunil Dutt.

Raju thanked the encouragement given by his wife, Subharani, IGP (Sports) M Ramesh, CP Sunil Dutt and other top officials to achieve the feat. Incidentally, Spiti marathon organisers announced Raju as the best motivator runner. He recently finished the 60 KM Bison Ultra 2025 marathon organised at Yercaud near Salem in Tamil Nadu.