By Raju Kumar
Running has gained remarkable popularity in India in recent years. From morning runners on streets and in parks to marathons across cities, the growing enthusiasm is hard to miss. No longer confined to professional athletes, running is becoming part of everyday fitness and lifestyle. Major running events have helped drive this change. Among them is the Delhi Half Marathon, which, as it enters its 21st edition, has evolved beyond an international sporting event to embrace health, nutrition, social inclusion, philanthropy and environmental sustainability.
Launched in 2005, the Delhi Half Marathon is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, attracting elite international athletes alongside thousands of amateur runners. This year, more than 41,000 participants are expected across on-ground and virtual categories, setting a new record. In 2025, the event drew 39,513 participants.
The enthusiasm for running now extends well beyond metropolitan cities. Alongside most state capitals, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities increasingly host 5 km and 10 km races, half marathons and full marathons. People across age groups and professions are taking part, while running clubs and group training have turned an individual fitness activity into a community pursuit. The prospect of participating in major races also encourages regular training and improved endurance.
This enthusiasm has reached some of India’s most challenging terrains. The Ladakh Marathon in Leh, the 122-km Silk Route Ultra and Uttarakhand’s Adi Kailash Parikrama Run are notable examples. Held at high altitudes amid difficult terrain and unpredictable weather, these races test both physical endurance and mental resilience. Running is no longer limited to city roads; it is increasingly becoming part of adventure sports.
One of the Delhi Half Marathon’s distinguishing features is its commitment to social causes. Ahead of this year’s race, 72 NGOs, 14 corporate organisations and individual fundraisers have raised over ₹8.87 crore, more than double last year’s ₹4.12 crore. Since 2005, the event has mobilised over ₹97.5 crore, supporting more than 500 NGOs working in health, education, livelihoods, gender equality, disability inclusion and environmental protection. For many participants, running has become a way to contribute to causes beyond personal achievement.
Vedanta’s ‘Run for Zero Hunger’ initiative connects the event with efforts to address hunger and malnutrition. By linking the distance covered by runners to nutritional support, the initiative has committed to providing five million nutrition packs for children and animals this year. According to the organisers, it has helped provide 22 million meals over the past four years.
The event also promotes inclusion through dedicated categories for senior citizens and participants with disabilities. Women accounted for nearly a quarter of participants last year. On the environmental front, organisers are aiming for 100% waste management this year, with measures including plastic recycling and encouraging public transport.
Despite being a half marathon, the Delhi event has earned a place among prestigious international road races. A race’s standing depends not merely on its distance but also on the calibre of athletes, organisational standards and international recognition. This year’s field includes Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese, Kenya’s Irine Cheptai and India’s Lili Das. The appointment of two-time Olympic gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo as the International Event Ambassador further reflects the event’s stature.
Over more than two decades, the Delhi Half Marathon has connected competitive sport with public fitness and social responsibility. Its legacy lies not just in records or rising participation, but also in those inspired to take up running or support a social cause. In that sense, its impact extends well beyond the finish line. (IPA Service)
