MEERUT, Nov. 9 -- Major Sachin Singh Kuntal from the Indian Army Ordnance Corps clinched the top position in the fifth edition of the Patnitop Marathon held in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Sunday. The officer, who hails from Mathura district, conquered the 50km ultramarathon with a timing of 5 hours, 26 minutes, and 1 second.

The marathon, which commenced at 4:30am in the scenic yet demanding terrain of Patnitop, saw 430 participants from across the country. The route, featuring a punishing elevation gain of nearly 6,500 feet, tested every participant's physical and mental resilience against biting temperatures and high-altitude conditions.

"Patnitop ultramarathon is among the most gruelling endurance competitions in the cou...