Big Bonanza for Distance Runners; Asian Athletics Body to Include Series of Half Marathon Races in 2025 Calendar Year

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The Asian Athletics Association plans to roll out a series of half marathon races in the 2025 calendar year, according to CK Valson, the technical director of the Asian athletics body.

Speaking over the phone from AAA headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Valson shared, "The proposal for a series of prize money half marathon races in the 2025 continental calendar year has been approved by the AAA council."

He added that these races are slated for September to March to avoid extreme weather, ensuring conditions are just right for the 21km road races.

Member nations of the Asian body, including China, Japan, and Middle Eastern countries, have expressed interest and are expected to bid for the inaugural series of half marathon events. Valson revealed, "To make the event more attractive, the winner of the team title will bag a cash prize of $20,000. Meanwhile, the winner of the individual race will take home $12,000."

Prize money will also be awarded to the top finishers in both individual and team events, covering second and third positions. India's road racing circuit is already brimming with half marathon and marathon prize money races. It will be interesting to see how elite distance runners fit this new series of continental half marathon races into their schedules next season.

From the 2026 calendar year, the AAA will also introduce a U23 competition to bridge the gap between junior and senior athletes and provide more opportunities for upcoming athletes, Valson explained.

Although the Asian Athletics Championships have struggled to attract top athletes in the past, the 2025 edition, scheduled to be held in South Korea in May, might see fewer elite participants. Top athletes from Japan and China often prefer competing in the highly competitive and lucrative one-day Diamond League. India's world and double Olympic medalist in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, has focused on competing in the Diamond League circuit.

Valson agreed that athletes who secure direct qualification to the World Athletics Championships or the Olympic Games usually skip the Asian meet. "There is a proposal to make the continental track and field events more attractive in the future," he added. The AAA 2024 season is set to wrap up with next month's Asian cross country championships in Hong Kong.