Rengeruk, Eyayu, and Legese Lead Elite Fields for the 2025 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon

Posted by: Watch Athletics

Thursday, 09 October 2025

Defending champion Alemaddis Eyayu will face multiple World Cross Country medalist Lilian Rengeruk in the 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, taking place this Sunday (October 12) in the Indian capital.

Delhi Half Marathon Streaming and Event Info

Women’s Race: Rengeruk Eyes Course Record

Rengeruk, who enjoyed success in India last year with a memorable victory at the Bengaluru World 10K, is targeting the women’s course record in Delhi. The 28-year-old Kenyan has been in stellar form, clocking 1:03:32 in Valencia last year and claiming the Prague Half Marathon title earlier this season. She now has her sights set on breaking the 1:04:46 record set by Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw in 2020. A Kenyan woman last triumphed in Delhi a decade ago, when Cynthia Limo won in 2015.

“Injuries remind you how much you love sport,” said Rengeruk. “I had to stop training for a week, and it made me realise how much I missed running. Now I focus on staying strong and consistent — I want to be at my best without crossing that line again.”
Rengeruk recently joined Italian coach Claudio Berardelli, who is shaping a group of Kenyan athletes with an eye on the 2028 Olympic Games.

Eyayu, who claimed victory in Delhi last year, comes back determined to defend her crown. “Every season teaches you something new,” said the Ethiopian. “This year, I’ve learned to be patient with my body and trust the process. I come to Delhi stronger — not just physically but mentally too — ready to run with heart.”

Another key contender, Grace Loibach Nawowuna, who opened her 2025 campaign with a win in Hong Kong, will make her Delhi debut. “It feels amazing to be here for the first time,” said the young Kenyan. “I’ve worked hard all season, and if I can walk away with a personal best, it will be a big step forward in my journey.” Nawowuna narrowly missed a World Cross Country medal two years ago.

Men’s Race: Birhanu Legese Leads the Field

In the men’s race, Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese Gurmesa headlines the lineup. A familiar name for Indian running fans, Legese won two previous editions of the Delhi Half Marathon — in 2015 and 2017 — and returns to India for the tenth time. One of the world’s elite marathoners, he is a two-time Tokyo Marathon champion (2019–2020) and boasts a personal best of 2:02:48 from Berlin.

“India has always been special for me,” said the 31-year-old. “Every time I race here, I feel happy — the people, the energy, the way we’re looked after. The warmth and respect we get here make it easy to run freely, and that’s why I always perform well in India.”

Kenya’s Benard Biwott, winner of this year’s Paris Marathon, leads the challenge from Kenya alongside Isaac Kipkemboi, who is also eyeing a podium finish.
“My plan is simple,” said Biwott. “I’ll stay with the pack for the first half and then push hard in the second. That’s when the real race begins. The challenge is to hold your form when the legs start to tire — that’s what I love most, testing myself when it hurts.”

Prize Purse and Legacy

With a total prize purse of USD 260,000, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon offers equal rewards for men and women. Both champions will earn USD 27,000, while the runners-up and third-place finishers will receive USD 20,000 and USD 13,000, respectively. A USD 12,000 bonus is on offer for any athlete setting a new course record.

Launched in 2005 following the successful staging of the World Half Marathon Championships in Delhi the previous year, the event has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious half marathons.
Reflecting on its 20th edition, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, remarked:

“It feels like just yesterday we began, yet here we are celebrating our 20th edition. We thank all our sponsors, partners, and supporters who made this journey possible, and above all, the athletes who continue to raise the bar year after year.”

Elite Athletes:

MEN:

1. Birhanu Legese - ETH/1994 - 58:59

2. Isaac Kipkemboi - KEN/2000 - 59:17

3. Alex Matata - KEN/1997 - 59:20

4. Gerba Dibaba - ETH/2000 - 59:35

5. Benard Biwott - KEN/2002 - 59:44

6. James Kipkogei - KEN/1993 - 59:50

7. Sikiyas Misganaw - ETH/2000 - 59:53

8. Bereket Nega - ETH/2004 - 1:00:03

9. Inyasi Sulley - TAN/1998 - 1:00:31

10. Bayelign Teshager - ETH/2000 - 1:00.31