Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 12: Kenyan athletes Alex Nzioka Matata and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk delivered commanding performances at the 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday, claiming both the men’s and women’s titles — a rare Kenyan double seen only once before in the race's history.
Matata, who finished second in the previous edition behind Ugandan world champion Joshua Cheptegei, returned with determination, leading a largely solo effort after breaking away mid-race. Already known for his sub-60-minute runs, including a 59:53 on this same course in 2024, he clinched victory in 59:50, marking his fifth half-marathon win of the year. With little pressure from the trailing pack, he maintained his pace through the second half of the race and crossed the finish line comfortably ahead.
Trailing him were Ethiopia’s Bayelign Teshager (60:22) and fellow Kenyan James Kipkogei (60:25), while pre-race favourite Birhanu Legese settled for fourth place in 60:54.
Matata, elated with the win, said, “Last year I finished second, so my goal this time was to do better. The weather was perfect, and I knew the course well. I wasn’t chasing the course record; I just wanted the win, and that took off a lot of pressure.”
In the women’s race, Lilian Kasait Rengeruk paced herself strategically in a tight pack alongside Ethiopians Mulat Tekle and Melal Biratu. Reaching the 10K mark in 32:10 and 15K in 48:11, the trio ran shoulder to shoulder before Rengeruk pulled ahead as the race neared its conclusion at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Her composed finish secured the title and capped a memorable Kenyan sweep.
Among Indian elites, Abhishek Pal and Seema emerged as champions, each taking home Rs 4,00,000. Pal clocked 1:04:17 in the men’s division, earning his third Delhi Half Marathon victory, while Seema impressed in her debut with a dominant 1:11:23 finish.
Pal, reflecting on his strategy, credited his brother and coach for tactical guidance. “Today, I led from the start instead of hanging back. I wanted to try something new, and it paid off. We’ll now work on improving my time even further.”
Runner-up Kiran Matre (1:04:57) kept pace with Pal for most of the race, with both crossing 10K in 33:16 and hitting 15K at 43:58, before Pal broke away in the final kilometre. Mohd Aleem (1:05:20) and Manoj Kumar (1:05:25) followed closely, with Karthik Karkera losing steam late in the race.
In the women’s elite field, Seema quickly established a lead and extended it with every kilometre. Though she narrowly missed a record, her debut was impactful. “I’m satisfied with my performance, though I know I can improve with more structured training,” she said.
Ujala secured second in 1:15:41, just ahead of Sanjivani Jadhav (1:15:52), while last year’s champion Lili Das finished fourth in 1:16:27.
With strong international and domestic performances, the 2025 Delhi Half Marathon reaffirmed its standing as one of the most prestigious World Athletics Gold Label races — and delivered a thrilling display of talent, strategy, and resilience.