Delhi Half Marathon draws more than 41,000 participants

By 4.30am, runners were arriving at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, which brought more than 41,000 participants onto the course on Sunday.

The field included more than 10,000 women, as well as senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Categories ranged from the 2.5km Champions with Disability and Senior Citizens’ Run to elite races, half-marathon waves and the Police Cup over 21.097km. The programme also included the Open 10K, Corporate Run and Great Delhi Run.

For 26-year-old Spandan, who ran the 21km distance at the event for the first time, the stretch past India Gate was a highlight. “You’re running right in front of India Gate. What an experience,” he said.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off the Great Delhi Run. International event ambassador and two-time Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo also attended.

The Open 10K started from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium this year, replacing its earlier start at Sansad Marg. Organisers deployed 450 medical personnel, 14 medical stations and 12 ambulances along the route.