New Delhi, July 16, 2025: The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is a beacon of national pride, redefining fitness and reshaping the way India unites health, purpose, and generosity.
The landmark 20th edition of the World Athletics Gold Label Race is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 12th October 2025 and will be flagged off from the iconic Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium. Procam International, promoters of the world’s most prestigious Half Marathon, today announced, the registrations for the physical and virtual races of VDHM will commence on Thursday, 17th July 2025, at https://vedantadelhihalfmarathon.procam.in/.
Since 2005, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has broken barriers and transformed India from a spectator nation into a participative one. It has sparked a running revolution across North India, fuelling the rise of clubs, events, and a growing fitness culture. More than a race, it’s a cultural and social catalyst, fostering inclusivity, empowering women and providing a platform for 800+ Indian athletes, 45+ of whom have competed internationally to win accolades globally. Furthermore, the race has driven the growth of a sports ecosystem, attracted major brands, and redefined philanthropy by raising ₹80 crores for social causes, cementing its legacy as a powerful force for change.
Shri Ashish Sood, Honourable Minister of Sports & Education, Govt of NCT Delhi said, “For centuries, health and fitness in our country has not been seen as a person’s passion, but as a collective consciousness. Sports and activities are promoted in our villages, from Akhadas to morning walks in the park — fitness has not only created healthy bodies, but also healthy relationships and a healthy society. In today’s modern era, this community feeling is exemplified by the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon,”.
Strengthening the race’s social good pillar, Title sponsor Vedanta, a globally diversified natural resources company, continues its mission to combat hunger and improve nutrition. Through its flagship initiative, Nand Ghar, a modernized Anganwadi program, Vedanta is transforming the lives of women and children across India. At the forefront of its participation is the #RunForZeroHunger campaign, driving awareness and action to ensure no child goes to bed hungry.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd., Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., said, “The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is a testament to the power of community and purpose. Over the last three editions, every step taken has helped nourish a child or feed an animal. I’m proud to share that we’ve enabled over 17 million meals through #RunForZeroHunger and this year, we’re pushing this milestone even further. As Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon turns 20 this year, we reaffirm our commitment to the cause of nourishing India through collective actions such as running for a cause. Together, let’s build a New India”.
PR Sreejesh, Padma Bhushan, Olympian and PUMA Athlete, shared, “Grassroots development begins at home—when parents encourage kids to run, to play, to dream. I broke my first barrier when I chose hockey in a football-loving state like Kerala. Every step since has been about challenging myself, not the world. That’s the same spirit I see in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. And that’s why I value PUMA—not just as a brand, but as a partner that truly supports athletes from the ground up.”
The Associate Sponsor, IDFC FIRST Bank, a world-class bank driven by technology and social good, will celebrate the indomitable spirit of runners who have overcome life’s toughest challenges to achieve extraordinary milestones with their ‘Made of Metal’ activation.
Shreepad Shende, Head – Business Excellence, said, “Running a marathon and achieving financial well-being; both require immense planning, discipline, and foresight. At IDFC FIRST Bank, our customer-first philosophy empowers individuals on their journey to financial well-being, much like a runner charting their path to the finish line. The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is a celebration of Delhi’s unstoppable spirit, and we are happy to partner with a platform that mirrors our belief in progress and purpose.”
Legacy beyond Race Day – Socio-Economic-Health- Impact 2024
Beyond Sport, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has left a deep and lasting impact on Delhi and the nation. For the first time, Procam International, in collaboration with Miranda House, University of Delhi, has released a report capturing the race’s economic, social, and health impact. Key Highlights given below: https://bit.ly/VDHM_2024_SEHReport
Socio-Health & Economic Impact – ₹ 368.86 crore
- The report offers a comprehensive perspective on the event’s impact on the physical andmental well-being of participants. It also highlights increased consumer spending on technology, apparel & equipment for enhanced performance
- Equipment, Shoes, and Apparel – ₹198.96 Crores
- The event has led to a rise in tourism, and employment opportunities have been createdin the event industry, hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors.
- Food, Hospitality, Travel and Training – ₹ 155.25 Crores
- Employment Generation – ₹11.38 Crore (Projected Value)
- The event is a silver lining for the social sector and one of India’s largest sportingplatforms for Philanthropy. NGOs, corporate, and runners have collectively raised ₹3.27for Charitable Causes in the 2024 edition alone
Commenting on the eve of the 20th year celebration, Anil Singh, MD. Procam International said, “This 20th year of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is deeply emotional for us — it’s more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of a legacy built step by step, year after year. What started as a vision to create a world-class sporting event in India has grown into a symbol of resilience, community, and hope. We’ve witnessed runners turn into role models, streets transform into stories of courage, and a city come alive with purpose.”
Fresh Initiatives to Fuel Your Stride
Free Delhi Metro Services for all participants – Building on the overwhelming response to last year’s early metro services, DMRCL is partnering with the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon to offer free Metro travel for all registered participants on race day, 12th October. This collaborative initiative ensures smooth, stress-free travel for thousands of runners and reinforces the event’s commitment to sustainability and a greener Delhi.
Exclusive PUMA Race Day Tees – To commemorate the 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and celebrate the dedication, discipline, and spirit of every runner, PUMA, the Sports Goods Partner, will, for the first time, present official Race Day Tees to all 10K runners along with Half Marathon registered participants.
VDHM Debutantes: To mark the 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, the race has introduced a Half Marathon Debutant Program, a tribute to those who are taking on the 21.097 km challenge for the very first time. Each debutant will receive a specially designed race bib with a “My First 21.097 KM” tagline to wear with pride.
Home Run Squad: Celebrate the spirit of togetherness by running with your family members across different categories on-ground on 12th October 2025. You can be a part of the Home Run Squad, a special campaign that honour families who lace up and race together. This will enable runners to receive an exclusive “Home Run Squad” digital photo frame, a treasured memento celebrating their collective achievement and shared experience.
“Each year, with the support of our sponsors, partners, government authorities and runners, we have strived to offer the best. VDHM’s success journey is ours together. As we mark two decades of running together, we honour every heartbeat, every stride, and every spirit that made this event what it is today, Vivek Singh, JT. MD. Procam International.
Lakshyaa joins as the Philanthropy Partner
A trusted strategy, training, and advisory firm in the development sector, Lakshyaa is recognised for building bridges between diverse stakeholders, including governments, corporates, civil society, academia, entrepreneurs, and communities, to co-create scalable, sustainable, and measurable solutions. With over 30 years of experience in policy, implementation, and social innovation, Lakshyaa convenes, co-creates, and catalyzes.
Nikhil Pant, Founder, Lakshyaa, said, “Real positive change happens when passion and commitment are channelled into action with purpose. Through our partnership with the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and Procam International, Lakshyaa is proud to bring the spirit of resilience and collaboration to the social impact space, where every step taken is a step towards a more inclusive and empowered future.”
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled as the Champions with Disability Facilitator
Samarthanam Trust is a national award-winning NGO empowering persons with disabilities for the past 27 years. It provides quality education, accommodation, nutritious food, vocational training, and placement-based rehabilitation. The Trust also creates direct livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and women in distress. With its vision of ‘Sports for All’, Samarthanam will be the Champions with Disability Facilitator this year.
Registration Details
On-location Race: Registration for all race categories including – Half Marathon, Open 10K, Great Delhi Run, Senior Citizens’ Run and Champions with Disability will commence on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at 7:00 am and remain open until open 11:59 pm on Friday, September 19th, 2025, or until spots are filled, whichever is earlier.
Virtual Run: Participants eager to run from anywhere in the world can register and run via the exclusive VDHM App in the Half Marathon, Open 10K, and the Great Delhi Run. Registrations for these categories will commence on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Virtual Run participants will receive a physical bib and finisher’s medal, provided they complete their race using the official VDHM Race App. Upon successful completion, participants will also be awarded a digital finisher’s e-certificate.
Race Day Timings
Start and Finish from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: The Half Marathon and the Police Cup will start at 5:00 a.m., followed by the Elite Men’s and Women’s Race at 6:50 a.m. The Champions with Disability & Senior Citizen Run at 7:00 a.m., and the Great Delhi Run at 9:00 a.m.
The Open 10K starts at 7:30 a.m. from Sansad Marg & will finish at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium:
Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is grateful for the unstinted support, it has received from the Government of NCT of Delhi; the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports GOI; the Ministry of External Affairs GOI; the Ministry of Home Affairs GOI; the Sports Authority of India (SAI); Athletics Federation of India; Delhi Police; New Delhi Municipal Corporation; Municipal Corporation of Delhi; The Indian Army; Raj Bhavan Delhi; World Athletics (WA), Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS) and Global Sports Communication (GSC).
The event is proud and grateful for the support of its esteemed partners:
Title Sponsor – Vedanta Ltd.
Associate Sponsor – IDFC FIRST Bank
Sports Goods Partner – PUMA
Hydration Partner – Bisleri
Energy Drink Partner – FAST&UP
Hospitality Partner – Le Meridien, New Delhi
Print Partner – The Times of India
Radio Partner – Mirchi
Telecast Partner – Sony Sports
Medical Partner – Metro Group of Hospitals
SCR Facilitator – EMOHA
CWD Facilitator – Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled
Philanthropy Partner – Lakshyaa
