Registrations Open for Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026; Event Targets Bigger Participation and Lasting Social Impact

New Delhi, July 22, 2026: Registrations for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) 2026 will open at 7:00 a.m. IST on Thursday, July 23, for both physical and virtual race categories. As the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label event enters its third decade, organisers Procam International announced a renewed focus on participation, community impact and healthier living.

Scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the race will begin and finish at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, taking participants through several of Delhi's landmark locations. The event carries a total prize purse of USD 260,000, making it one of the world's premier distance running competitions for elite and amateur athletes alike.

Vedanta Continues as Title Sponsor

Vedanta Ltd. returns for its fifth consecutive year as the title sponsor, continuing its support for mass participation sports while promoting its #RunForZeroHunger initiative.

"The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is a celebration of purpose in action. Every step brings us together to embrace healthier lifestyles, build stronger communities, and move closer to our shared vision of #RunForZeroHunger. Let's make every kilometer count towards a healthier, hunger-free India," said Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd.

IDFC FIRST Bank continues as the Associate Sponsor, while new partnerships have been announced with AMARON as the Powered By Partner and Air India Express as the Airline Partner.

₹433.88 Crore Socio-Economic Impact in 2025

Alongside the race launch, organisers unveiled the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon Socio-Economic-Health Impact Report 2025, prepared in collaboration with Miranda House, University of Delhi.

The report estimates that the marathon generated an overall socio-economic and health impact of ₹433.88 crore during 2025 alone.

• 39,513 participants took part, marking the highest post-pandemic turnout.
• 9,709 women participated, accounting for 25% of the field.
• ₹24.71 crore was generated through travel and hospitality spending.
• ₹251.34 crore was spent on running gear, technology, footwear and apparel.
• ₹153.71 crore was spent on training, nutrition, healthcare and supplements.
• ₹4.12 crore was raised for charitable causes supporting all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• 97.8% of participants reported that mental discipline formed an important part of their training.
• 93.1% said adopting a running routine helped reduce their dependence on medication.

According to the report, the marathon has generated a cumulative socio-economic and health impact of ₹802.74 crore over the past two years.

New Partnerships to Enhance Runner Experience

AMARON joins the event as the "Powered By" Partner, while Air India Express has been named the official Airline Partner.

"Progress rarely announces itself. It is built quietly, in countless actions sustained over a longer period. It's the same thought that draws AMARON to the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon," said Chandrasekar Radhakrishnan, Chief Business Officer – Automotive (Domestic & SAARC), Amara Raja Energy & Mobility.

Air India Express has introduced a special Runner's Passport initiative, allowing participants to avail flight discounts of up to 20% using the promotional code RUNDEL. The airline will also provide race-day baggage management services.

Enhanced Race-Day Experience

Organisers have introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the participant experience during the 2026 edition.

• Registered runners will enjoy complimentary travel on the Delhi Metro on race day.
• Half Marathon and 10K participants will receive exclusive PUMA Race Day T-shirts.
• Every finisher will receive a commemorative medal crafted using zinc sourced from Hindustan Zinc's Zawar Mines.
• Special race bibs will recognise first-time runners, while the Home Run Squad initiative will encourage family participation across race categories.

PLAYSCAPE to Debut as Active Lifestyle Platform

A new experiential platform called PLAYSCAPE will also debut alongside the marathon. Developed by Procam International in partnership with Exhibetter Global, the initiative will showcase fitness, wellness, innovation and community engagement, transforming the traditional race expo into an immersive destination for runners, brands and creators.

"As the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon steps into its third decade, every stride carries forward a legacy of purpose, progress, and possibility. We remain committed to inspiring a fitter, healthier India while creating lasting social impact," said Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International.

(Inputs from Press Release)