Delhi Half Marathon enters 20th year with report on its impact

Time of India

17-07-2025

New Delhi: Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) has flagged off its 20th edition with the release of a first-of-its-kind Socio-Economic and Health Impact Report, reflecting the event's enduring impact on public health, fitness and civic engagement.
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The online registration for VDHM 2025 opened on Thursday and the event is scheduled to take place on Oct 12.
The launch of the report, compiled by Miranda House of Delhi University, was attended on Wednesday by tourism and law and justice minister Kapil Mishra, sports and education minister Ashish Sood, New Delhi Municipal Council secretary Tariq Thomas, former hockey player PR Sreejesh and Miranda principal Bijaylaxmi Nanda, among others.
"Delhi govt and Delhi Tourism will support Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. We will be part of it this year and in the coming years. The Prime Minister's vision for Delhi includes economy, sports and fitness, and under chief minister Rekha Gupta's guidance, we are ready to implement it," said Mishra.
Sood reflected on India's cultural foundations in fitness. "Sports and activities are promoted in our villages, from akhadas to morning walks in the park—fitness has not only created healthy bodies but also healthy relationships and a healthy society.
In today's modern era, this community feeling is exemplified by Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon."
Highlighting the cause behind the event, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, non-executive director of Vedanta Ltd, noted, "Over the last three editions, every step taken has helped nourish a child or feed an animal. I'm proud to share that we've enabled over 17 million meals through #RunForZeroHunger, and this year, we're pushing this milestone even further.
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As Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon turns 20 this year, we reaffirm our commitment to the cause of nourishing India through collective actions.
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Expressing her institution's pride in conducting the study, Nanda said, "We are delighted to be part of this initiative by Procam International to release this first-ever comprehensive study on the multifold and lasting impact of Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon."
Calling the 20th edition more than a milestone, Anil Singh, MD of Procam International, said, "It's a celebration of a legacy built step by step, year after year.
What started as a vision to create a world-class sporting event in India has grown into a symbol of resilience, community and hope."
According to the report, the 2024 edition generated an estimated Rs 368.86 crore in combined socio-economic and health benefits. Major contributors included Rs 198.96 crore through consumer spending on fitness gear and technology and Rs 155.25 crore through boosts to the food, travel, hospitality and training sectors.
The event also led to employment worth Rs 11.38 crore and helped raise Rs 3.27 crore for charity.
This year, Lakshyaa Foundation is joining as the official philanthropy partner while Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled will serve as the Champions with Disability facilitator, bridging the gap between stakeholders and differently abled participants.
The registration will stay open till Sept 19 or until the slots are filled. The categories include Half Marathon, Open 10K, Great Delhi Run, Senior Citizens' Run and Champions with Disability. A Virtual Run option will again allow global participation via the official app.