Thrilling showdowns await at Sunday’s Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon
The 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is set to deliver a spectacular showcase of endurance and athletic excellence as elite runners from around the world converge on the Indian capital this Sunday, October 12.
With its World Athletics Gold Label status and a prize purse of USD 260,000, the event promises high drama, fierce rivalries, and the potential for record-breaking performances.
In the women’s race, all eyes will be on Kenya’s Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, who arrives in Delhi riding a wave of momentum.
Fresh from her victory at the Prague Half Marathon and boasting a personal best of 1:03:32, Rengeruk is targeting the course record of 1:04:46 set by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw in 2020.
The 28-year-old, who also claimed the Bengaluru World 10K title last year, is now training under Italian coach Claudio Berardelli with the 2028 Olympics in her sights.
Speaking ahead of the race, Rengeruk reflected on her journey, saying, ‘Injuries remind you how much you love sport. I come to Delhi stronger, physically and mentally, ready to run with heart.’
Defending champion Alemaddis Eyayu of Ethiopia is equally determined to retain her crown.
After a strong season start in Hong Kong, Eyayu emphasized the importance of resilience and growth, stating, ‘This year taught me patience. I trust my body and the process.’
She will face stiff competition not only from Rengeruk but also from rising Kenyan star Grace Loibach Nawowuna, who narrowly missed the World Cross-country podium in 2023.
Making her Delhi debut, Nawowuna expressed her excitement, saying, ‘I’ve worked hard all season. If I walk away with a personal best, it’ll be a big step forward.’
The men’s race will see the return of Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese Gurmesa, a two time winner in Delhi and Tokyo Marathon champion.
With a marathon best of 2:02:48 and a deep connection to Indian racing fans, Birhanu is expected to be a frontrunner.
‘India has always been special. The warmth and respect here help me run freely,’ he shared.
Joining him in the hunt for glory are Kenya’s Benard Biwott, fresh off his Paris Marathon win, and Isaac Kipkemboi, who holds a personal best of 59:17.
Biwott, known for his tactical racing, revealed his strategy: ‘The real race begins when it hurts.’
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon will reward both male and female champions with USD 27,000, while second and third-place finishers will earn USD 20,000 and USD 13,000 respectively.
An additional bonus of USD 12,000 awaits any athlete who breaks the course record.
