Ayana, who broke the women's 10000m record at Rio Olympic games, will face her compatriot and last year's Dehli Half Marathon winner Worknesh Defega. Having ran 66:14 in 2016 Defega is the fastest women in the women's elite field.
Kenya's Geoffrey Kirui, the 2017 World Marathon Champion, will lead a very strong men's field.
“Bringing two global champions from London to this race shows our commitment to having the very best runners in the world compete at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.” said Vivek Singh, joint managing director of race promotors Procam International.
“This IAAF Gold Label event is deservedly one of the world's most prestigious half marathon and with the appearance of Geoffrey and Almaz this year, it adds further lustre to its reputation. It is renowned among the world’s top distance runners for its fast course and comprehensive field,” Singh added.
Elite Women
Almaz Ayana (ETH) debut
Worknesh Degefa (ETH) 66:14
Netsanet Gudeta (ETH) 67:31
Helah Kiprop (KEN) 67:39
Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) 67:52
Mimi Belete (BRN) 69:15
Karolina Nadolska (POL) 69:54
Elite Men
Geoffrey Kirui (KEN) 59:38
Jorum Okumbo (KEN) 58:48
Alex Korio (KEN) 58:51
Stephen Kibet (KEN) 58:54
Yigrem Demelash (ETH) 59:19
Berhanu Legese (ETH) 59:20
Moses Kurong (UGA) 59:50
Mohamed Ziani (MOR) 60:28
Emmanuel Gniki (TAN) 60:47
Leonard Korir (USA) 61:06
Abadi Hadis (ETH) debut
John Langat (KEN) debut
Andamlak Belihu (ETH) debut