The 20th Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold‑Label road race, kicked off in Delhi on Sunday with a thrilling showdown between Kenyan athletes and local Indian talent.
Kenyan runner Alex Nzioka Matata and Ethiopian‑Kenyan hybrid Lilian Kasait Rengeruk took the spotlight, each claiming a title in the same event for only the second time in the marathon’s history. The first Kenyan pair to win both men’s and women’s races did so in 2006 when Francis Kibiwott and Lineth Chepkurui ran for victory.
Men’s race
Alex Matata, who finished second to Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei in 2023, broke away early and ran a solo sprint. He was fresh from a 59:20 win at the RAK half‑marathon, and he finished Delhi in 59:50, his fifth half‑marathon victory this year. Ethiopia’s Bayelign Teshager came in second (60:22) and Kenyan James Kipkogei rounded out the podium in 60:25. Pre‑race favourite Birhanu Legese finished fourth at 60:54.
After the race, Matata said, “I knew the course inside out, and the weather was perfect. I had only one goal – to win – so I ran pressure‑free.”
Women’s race
Lilian Rengeruk, a Kenyan with several international races under her belt, kept the pace with a small group that included Ethiopians Mulat Tekle and Melal Biratu. She surged past them at the finish, clocking 1:07:20 to take the women’s title. Tekle finished in 1:07:28, while the young Melal set a personal best just ahead of last year’s champion Alemaddis Eyayu, who placed seventh.
Rengeruk explained, “I was patient and waited for the right moment. I was happy with the time, especially since I’m back from an injury. This is my third race of the year, and I fought till the end.” Melal praised Delhi’s competition, “The humidity was tougher than I expected, and I pushed myself hard.”
Indian Elite fight
At the elite level, India’s Abhishek Pal took the men’s title in 1:04:17, while fellow Indian runner Seema won the women’s race in 1:11:23. It was Pal’s third Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon victory, and Seema made a striking debut, impressing judges and fans alike.
Pal noted, “The course was flat and straight. My brother, who now coaches me, let me lead from start to finish. I’ll keep refining my timing.” Seema reflected, “I fell just short of the record, but with more training I’ll do even better next time.”
Prize money
Winners earned a total of $27,000 out of the $260,000 prize pot. The Indian Elite prizes were INR 400,000 each, highlighting the event’s growing appeal for both international and local runners.
Other highlights
The event also featured a creative “Run in Costume” segment, with several teams and individuals winning group and individual awards. Group winners included “Unheard voices of men,” “Women empowerment,” and “Etasha the society.” Individual costume winners were Mansi Dhingra, Angel Mogha, and Pinky.
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon continues to be a marquee race for road runners worldwide, blending elite competition with vibrant local culture. With strong showings from Kenya, Ethiopia, and India, the 2025 edition confirmed Delhi’s status on the global running stage.
Source: aninews
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
