Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana crosses the finish line to win the overall women’s title at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2023

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In the 18th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Kenya's Daniel Ebenyo and Ethiopia's Almaz Ayana claimed victory in the capital city. Almaz Ayana, the 2016 Rio Olympics Champion and previous Delhi Half Marathon winner, dominated the women's race.

She led a group of runners, including country-mates and a Kenyan, covering the first quarter of the race in around 15:45-15:47. Ayana maintained a 16-minute pace but slowed down in the final stages, securing the win in 67:58. Uganda's Stella Chesang finished second, and Kenya's Viola Chepngeno took third place.

In the men's race, a group of Kenyan and Ethiopian runners, including Addisu Gobena, led until the 13th kilometer when Daniel Ebenyo and Chales Matata broke away. Ebenyo, a Silver Medalist in the World Half Marathon, increased his pace and won in 59 minutes 27 seconds. Chales Matata finished second, while Addisu Gobena claimed third place.

Abhishek Pal won the Indian Elite Men's title, narrowly defeating Kartik Kumar. Pal finished in 64:07, while Kartik missed the top spot by a fraction of a second with 64:08. Sawan Barwal finished third with a timing of 64:17. In the Indian Elite Women's Race, Kavita Yadav won with a debut timing of 77:42, followed closely by Rima Patel and Poonam Dinkar Sonune.

Abhishek Pal expressed his happiness about winning and his friendly rivalry with Kartik Kumar, who was pleased with his silver medal and credited his hard training. Kavita Yadav was thrilled to win the Indian Elite Women's Race and expressed her intention to defend her title.

The event drew the attention of Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon'ble Minister of Youth Affairs, Sports, and IMB, who commended the participation of 36,000 runners. He praised the event as a testament to India's embrace of the FIT India Movement and citizens' commitment to fitness and good health.