Kenyan runner Charles Matata set a historic record by crossing the finish line at top speed in the men’s category of the Delhi Half Marathon.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Wudinesh Alemu won the championship title. Both received prize money of Rs. 3,50,000 each.
The Delhi Half Marathon has been held since 2005. It is currently called the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. The race was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Several people, including the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Kumba, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, took part in the event.
A marathon refers to running a distance of 42.2 km. A half marathon refers to half of that distance, 21.1 kilometers.
In the men’s category, Kenya’s Charles Matata set a historic record by finishing in 58 minutes and 52 seconds. Previously, Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegn held the record with a time of 58 minutes and 53 seconds in 2020.
Now, that record has been broken. For this, Charles Matata was additionally awarded Rs. 11,39,586. It is also noteworthy that the prize money was Rs. 25,64,068.
It is also worth recalling that his twin brother, Alex Matata, became the champion in the 2025 edition by finishing in 59 minutes and 50 seconds.
Kenyan athletes dominated the top three spots. Samuel Nyamai Mailu (59:24) and Stanley Waidaka Muburu (59:33) finished second and third respectively.
In the women’s category, Alemu won and took first place in 1 hour and 35 minutes. Kenya’s Sela Busini (1:07:01) and Cynthia Selangat Chepkwony (1:07:32) finished second and third respectively.
In the men’s Indian elite marathon, Shailesh Kushwaha won in 1 hour, 5 minutes and 5 seconds. Gaurav Mathur (1:05:11) and Hemant Kumar (1:05:37) finished second and third respectively.
In the Indian women’s category, Ankita Dhyani finished first in 1 hour, 12 minutes and 46 seconds. Sonia (1:14:56) and Bhagirathi (1:15:51) finished second and third, respectively.
In the Indian men’s and women’s categories, those who finished in the top 3 positions were awarded Rs. 3,50,000, Rs. 2,50,000 and Rs. 1,50,000 respectively.
The 21st edition of the #DelhiHalfMarathon has concluded at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the National Capital.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 18, 2026
The Marathon witnessed participation from Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs @KirenRijiju, Delhi Chief Minister @gupta_rekha, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister… pic.twitter.com/c2r3Hwfr5c
