VEDANTA DELHI HALF MARATHON: BREAKING BARRIERS SINCE 2005
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, since its pilot edition in 2005, has served as a shining example of how a sporting event can transcend its original context to influence society profoundly.
Two decades ago, right in the bustling heart of India’s capital, the very idea of a mass-participation sport through Delhi's streets was met with raised eyebrows and skeptical laughter.
“Delhi doesn’t run,” the cynics scoffed. “This is a city of politics and power, not pounding feet and running shoes.”
But the Sunday morning of 16th October 2005, witnessed something remarkable happen.
Since that first morning when a few hundred dreamers laced up, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has captured the very heart and soul of the city.
What began as a run has become a movement, breaking barriers every edition. Today, it stands as a celebration of unity, health and fitness, empowerment, inclusivity, social impact, and sustainability. A platform that sparks change, promotes equality, and makes space for every voice on the road.
From humble beginnings, the race has become the world’s most prestigious half marathon, proudly earning the esteemed World Athletics Gold Label Road Race title.
Its impact echoes far beyond the finish line, fueling a rise in running events and clubs across North India, inspiring more women to take up the sport, and giving India’s finest athletes the opportunity to compete against the world’s best. The 2024 edition alone created a staggering economic and health impact of INR 360 crore.
But perhaps its most powerful legacy lies in the lives it has touched. The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is one of India’s largest sporting platforms for philanthropy, and with the support of NGOs, corporates, and individuals, raising over INR 84.51 crore to date. These funds have gone on to empower millions, turning every stride on the road into a step toward a better tomorrow.
Renowned as one of the fastest half-marathon courses in the world, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon offers runners a breathtaking journey past Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. Held in the crisp autumn air, the race begins at dawn from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, sweeping past Kartavya Path and circling iconic India Gate.
Over the past two decades, VDHM has attracted the world’s top distance runners while welcoming thousands across various other categories, including the 10K, Great Delhi Run (4.5km approx.), Senior Citizens’ Run (2.5km approx.), and Champions with Disability (2.5km approx.), building a truly inclusive running community.
In 2016, Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge clocked 59:44 on Delhi’s streets. In 2020, blazing course records were set by Amedework Walelegn (58:53) and Yalemzerf Yehualaw (64:46), while India’s Avinash Sable became the first national to break the 61-minute barrier.
As the race celebrates its 20th edition, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon stands tall, not just as one of the world’s most prestigious half marathons but as a symbol of Delhi’s transformation and India’s indomitable spirit.
This isn’t just a race. It’s Delhi’s pulse , stronger, faster, together.
Join the movement.
#BreakingBarriers