The Delhi Half Marathon 2025 will be held on 12th of October . It is one of the most prestigious road running events in Asia. Attracting elite runners from across the globe. This year’s edition was not just about endurance and fitness; it was about speed.
This will be Delhi Half Marathon’s 20th edition. Annually since 2025, World Athletics Gold Label Road Race is held in the Indian capital, Delhi. The 2021st edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown. The certification is done by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.
The Rise of the Delhi Half Marathon
Be it a national event or a Gold Label race the Delhi Half Marathon has seen it growing. consistently has the world’s best long distance athletes.
Over the years, It has now become a cultural celebration and not just a sporting event. Amateur runners, fitness influencers, NGOs, and everyday citizens all lace up to participate and cheer around the lanes.
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2025 Highlights: New Records, New Energy
Around 40,000 runners, including athletes, enthusiasts, and para-athletes are participating this year. The athletes capitalised on the cool climate to deliver some stunning performances.
Men’s Elite Winner: Samuel Kiprono (Kenya)
- Time: 59 minutes, 14 seconds
- Pace: 2:48 per kilometre
Highlight: Kiprono’s blistering pace through India Gate and Rajpath set the tone early on. He was the second who was being recorded as second in Delhi Half Marathon history.
Women’s Elite Winner: Tigist Alemu (Ethiopia)
- Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes, 33 seconds
- Pace: 3:06 per kilometre
- Highlight: Alemu maintained a steady pace throughout. Her time is now the fastest women’s finish in Delhi since 2020.
Top Indian Finishers
Indian athletes also had a strong showing, with new personal bests. It is a growing promise in the international long distance.
Top Indian Male: Avinash Sable
- Time: 1:01:57
- Highlight: Sable is India’s best all-around distance runner. His controlled race and fast pacing earned him the top national spot.
Top Indian Female: Parul Chaudhary
- Time: 1:12:21
Highlight: The Asian Games medallist ran a planned race. She was conserving energy in the first half before unleashing a strong finish.
Both runners are India’s best hopes for the upcoming World Half Marathon & the 2026 Asian Games.
The Race Route: Through the Heart of Delhi
The Delhi Half Marathon 2025 course once again gave runners a historical journey. Starting and ending at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the route included:
- India Gate
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Rajpath
- Lodhi Gardens
- Khan Market
- Delhi Golf Club
Not only did the runners get a fast track, but they also passed some of the most iconic monuments of the capital. They make the race symbolic.
Crowd Support and Atmosphere
One of the defining features of this time was the enthusiastic crowd. Thousands of the people gathered around the streets raising flags, playing dhols, and cheering along the crowd.
- There were over 10 live musical points featuring jazz, bhangra, classical, & more performances.
- More than 30 aid stations were supplying runners with water, energy drinks, and fruit.
- The Green Marathon Initiative 2025 race had a focus on ensuring no usage of plastics.
Categories & Participation
Apart from the elite races, the Delhi Half Marathon 2025 included:
Open 10K Run
12,000 runners were seen participating from school and college. Also from new runners and corporate employees.
Senior Citizens’ Run (3K)
A heartwarming sight as 70- to 85-year-olds ran proudly with their bibs — proving age is no barrier.
Champions with Disability (3K)
This inclusive race featured athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities running. Or wheeling the course, cheered by enthusiastic crowds.
Great Delhi Run (5K)
An un-timed fun run with a carnival like atmosphere complete with fancy dress runners. Also with color splashes, and drum lines.
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2025’s race saw major tech upgrades:
- Live Tracking App: Runners could be tracked in real-time by friends and family.
- Smart Bib Tags: Timing chips offered real-time data for split analysis. Also for heart rate syncing, and pace adjustment.
- Drone Coverage: Live drone feeds provided aerial views of the race. It provides across major TV & social platforms.
Prize Money and Recognition
The Delhi Half Marathon 2025 has seen one of the highest prize pools in the continent for a half marathon:
- Elite Winners (International):
- 1st Place: $27,000
- 2nd Place: $15,000
- 3rd Place: $10,000
- Indian Winners:
- 1st Place: 5 lakh
- 2nd Place: 3 lakh
- 3rd Place: 2 lakh
Additional prizes were awarded for age group winners. Debut runners, and top fundraisers through the marathon's charity platform.
The Delhi Marathon Movement
Beyond athletic glory, the event has become a platform for change, charity & community:
- Over 9 crore raised for NGOs and health initiatives.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tie-ins from over 50 companies.
- Mental health booths, free physiotherapy, and post-race wellness zones were helping in promoting overall well-being.
- The event is tied up with the Fit India Movement & Khelo India. To promote youth sports and fitness in urban communities.
Looking Ahead
The Delhi Half Marathon 2025 wasn’t just the fastest. It was the most connected, inclusive, and celebrated edition yet.
With Indian athletes breaking barriers, increasng international participation. And rising public interest in long-distance running. Delhi is fast becoming a global running capital. The marathon movement is not just about race day. It's about lifestyle, discipline, and pride in health.
Conclusion
The Fastest Delhi Half Marathon 2025 was a showcase of elite athleticism. In India it has grassroots participation and the growing culture of fitness. It brought together history and modernity, locals and internationals, and elites and enthusiasts. All leaving their mark in the pavements in the capital city,Delhi.
As the sun rose over Lutyens’ Delhi and the cheers echoed through the stadium. It became clear: Delhi is not just running; it’s leading the race.
