The 21st edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon concluded in the national capital on Sunday with a historic performance by Kenyan athlete Charles Matata. In a display of endurance and tactical precision, Matata secured the top spot in the men’s category, establishing a new event record with a timing of 58:52. This effort marked a significant personal best for the runner, allowing him to narrowly surpass the previous course record of 58:53, which had been held by Amedework Walelegn since 2020.
The victory was a family milestone as well, following the success of his twin brother, Alex Matata, who claimed the title in the 2025 edition of the race with a timing of 59:50. The event proved to be a highly successful outing for the Kenyan contingent, who effectively dominated the men’s race by sweeping the entire podium. Joining Charles in the top three were Samwel Nyamai Mailu, who crossed the finish line in 59:24, and Stanley Mburu, who completed the course in 59:33 to secure third place.
In the women’s category, the competition was equally fierce, with Wudinesh Alemu emerging as the winner. Alemu delivered a strong performance throughout the race, eventually crossing the finish line in 1:06:35 to claim the overall title. Her victory highlighted the high standard of competition seen across both elite categories of the half marathon this year.
While international athletes took the top honors in the overall race, the event also saw commendable performances from the Indian contingent in the dedicated Indian Elite category. Twenty-year-old Shailesh Kushwaha emerged victorious in a closely contested men’s race, clocking 1:05:05 to take the top spot among his peers. His win was noted for its intensity and competitive nature throughout the duration of the event.
In the Indian Elite women’s section, Ankita Dhyani demonstrated her experience and endurance. A silver medallist in the steeplechase at the World University Games, Dhyani distinguished herself early in the race. By breaking clear of the main Indian pack, she maintained a high pace and ran alongside the international elite runners for much of the course, finishing with an impressive time of 1:12:46.
The annual Delhi Half Marathon remains a highlight of the national sporting calendar, drawing elite talent from across the globe to the city. Organizers and spectators witnessed a high-caliber competition this year, characterized by record-breaking speeds and tactical races that pushed the limits of the participants. The event serves as a platform for both established international stars and promising Indian athletes to showcase their capabilities on a prominent stage.
As the curtains close on the 21st edition of the race, the results underscore the growing depth of talent in long-distance running. For the Kenyan runners, the day represented a continuation of their tradition of excellence in international road racing, while the performances of Indian athletes like Kushwaha and Dhyani provide further momentum for the domestic circuit as they look toward future competitions in the upcoming season.
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