Uniquely memorable

It is one of the world’s most prestigious half marathons and among the very few that Eliud Kipchoge — arguably the greatest marathoner ever — has taken part in during his trophy-laden career.

The legendary Kenyan won here in 2016 in a time of 59:44, barely three months after clinching the first of his two Olympic marathon crowns, and said: “The running conditions were good. Along the route, the crowd was also cheering us and that helped to further motivate us.”

First run in 2005, the event triggered a distance-running movement in the region that redefined the sporting culture in the capital and saw tens of thousands of amateurs embrace the sport. Women in India are also increasingly overcoming social prejudices to take up road running. The elite component attracts the world’s leading distance runners, but the open categories remain the heart and the soul of the race, with amateurs from across India and the world coming together. The race categories include the open half marathon, 10K, Senior Citizens Run, and Champions with Disability.

Philanthropy is a key pillar of this World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, and it has raised over USD 10 million since its inception, making it one of the largest sports philanthropy platforms in the region.

Strengthening this philanthropic drive, the title sponsor, Indian conglomerate Vedanta Limited, celebrated its association with a #RunForZeroHunger campaign. Every kilometre clocked translated to 200,000 nutritious meals for children. The event’s Associate Sponsor, IDFC FIRST Bank, also launched a charity-focused Runners’ Pledge that encouraged runners to perform to their best and contribute towards causes dear to them.
 
The Delhi weather is favourable in October and the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of this Heritage city. With the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as the start and finish point, the route traverses Imperial Delhi and goes past many historic sites, notably India Gate, Kartavya Path, and Parliament House.

The AIMS-certified course is fast and flat. Amateur runners aim for personal bests on this world-class route. Top-notch facilities pre and post-race make for a complete race experience. Lending a touch of history, zinc from Vedanta’s oldest mines added the Midas touch to the finishers’ medal as a tribute to the runners’ mettle.

Race day this year falls on 15 October, at the start of the 10-day Hindu festival of Dussehra — the triumph of good over evil — which is celebrated with great fanfare. Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, food, festivals, and the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is a great way to soak up the emotions and colours of the city.

Over 26,000 amateurs joined the world’s best athletes last year. The national capital turned into a bright confluence of humanity as its major constituents, India Inc., the Government, and the citizens, merged as one in a celebration of joy and goodness.

“It was terrific to see the city come together to make the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon truly memorable. That’s the beauty of running; it can make an entire city, an entire community, move as one and run for various causes. I’m taking back some great memories!” said Ethiopian running great Haile Gebrselassie, who was the International Event Ambassador.