CM Rekha Gupta to Flag Off Delhi Half Marathon 2026: 41,000 Runners Ready for Asia's Premier Race
Over 41,000 runners will gather for the 21st Delhi Half Marathon on Oct 18, 2026, featuring elite athletes and a massive prize purse.
The capital is gearing up for a massive display of athleticism and endurance as the 21st edition of the Delhi Half Marathon arrives. This World Athletics Gold Label Race is set to be flagged off by the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, on Sunday, October 18, 2026. With over 41,000 participants expected to hit the streets, the event continues its legacy as Asia's premier road race.
The event will see a gathering of high-profile dignitaries at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which serves as both the starting and finishing point. Joining the Chief Minister will be Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, and the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju.
Huge Prize Purse and Record-Breaking Incentives
The 2026 edition comes with significant financial stakes for the top performers. A total prize purse of USD 275,732 is on the line, with the winners of the men's and women's categories each taking home USD 27,000.
For those looking to make history, an additional bonus of USD 12,000 awaits any athlete who manages to break the existing course record. The competition is equally fierce for the Indian Elite categories, where the top three finishers in both men's and women's divisions will receive INR 3,50,000, INR 2,50,000, and INR 1,50,000 respectively. Furthermore, a special incentive of Rs 1,00,000 is available for anyone setting a new Indian Elite record at the event.
A Convergence of Power and Sport
In a prestigious addition to the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General N.S. Raja Subramani, will be in attendance. The marathon maintains a deep connection with India's security forces, with several top military and paramilitary leaders participating in the run. Notable runners include:
- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (Chief of the Air Staff)
- Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (Chief of the Naval Staff)
- Virendra Vats (Director General of the National Cadet Corps)
- Shri Praveen Kumar, IPS (Director General of the Border Security Force)
Additionally, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh will participate in the Open 10K race. The event also welcomes the return of Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who will once again run the Half Marathon. To inspire the masses, two-time Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo will be present as the International Event Ambassador to cheer on the participants.
The Elite Battle: Global and National Stars
The international field is stacked with world-class talent. Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese leads the men's charge, facing stiff competition from Kenya’s Samwel Masai and Charles Matata. On the women's side, the spotlight is on Kenya's Irine Cheptai—the 2022 VDHM winner and a World Athletics Platinum Label athlete—who will be challenged by Cynthia Limo of Kenya and Lonah Chemtai Salpeter of Israel.
India's hopes rest on a strong domestic contingent. The men's elite field includes Kiran Matre, who secured second place among Indian elites last year, along with Dr Kartik Karkera, Panchanan Bera, and Mukesh Kumar. The women's elite category promises a thrilling battle featuring former champions Lili Das and Kavita Yadav, Neeta Rani, and world champion steeplechaser Ankita Dhyani.
Race Schedule and Categories
The event is designed to be inclusive, offering various categories to ensure everyone from professional athletes to senior citizens can participate. The day will unfold as follows:
Early Morning Elite and Amateur Starts
- Elite Men’s Half Marathon: 5:18 a.m.
- Elite Women’s Half Marathon: 5:20 a.m.
- Amateur Half Marathon & Police Cup: 5:30 a.m. (Over 13,400 runners)
Community and Special Categories
- Champions with Disability & Senior Citizens’ Run: 6:30 a.m. (Over 1,100 participants)
- Open 10K: 7:35 a.m. (Over 10,000 runners)
- Corporate Run: 9:00 a.m.
- Great Delhi Run: 9:05 a.m. (Together with the Corporate Run, expected to draw over 13,300 participants)