Two-time champion Ethiopian Birhanu Legese sets sights on third Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon title

Procam International, promoters of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, today announced a star-studded international elite field for the 21st edition of the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Men’s field

In the men’s field, Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese will headline. He brings a personal best of 58:59, making him the fastest athlete among those announced for this year’s Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. In the women’s field, Kenya’s Irine Cheptai will lead the charge with a personal best of 64:53.

Legese will be joined by a formidable group of seven men with sub‑60‑minute personal bests, setting the stage for one of the most competitive men’s races in the event’s history. Among those looking to challenge Legese is Kenya’s Charles Matata, the 2023 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon runner‑up, who also finished second at the Istanbul Half Marathon earlier this year.

Two other leading Ethiopians, Deriba Tesfaye and Melaku Belachew, add further strength to the field. Both arrive in Delhi in impressive form, with Deriba finishing second at the Rotterdam Marathon and Melaku claiming victory at the 2026 Hong Kong Marathon.

While travelling to Delhi, Legese said, “I narrowly missed the podium in last year’s race and am eager to make amends this time.” Reflecting on his return to the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, he added, “It has always been a pleasure to run in the Indian capital. I am doing well and looking to get in great shape before race day this year.”

Women’s field

In the women’s field, VDHM 2022 winner Irine Cheptai, a Platinum Level athlete with a personal best of 64:53, faces a tough challenge in Delhi this year. The field also includes last year’s silver medallist, Ethiopia’s Melal Siyoum Biratu, and Kenya’s Cynthia Limo, the 2024 runner‑up.

A Kenyan‑born athlete competing for Israel, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, will be another dark horse to watch. Salpeter won bronze at the 2022 World Athletics Half Marathon Championships and has earned multiple medals for Israel at the European Championships.
Speaking about her chances this year, Cheptai said: “I know there are several young runners competing at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. But I have the experience of running in Delhi, and I am confident of challenging for the podium and fighting for my second title here.”

Cheptai arrives in Delhi in strong form, having won the Burj2Burj Half Marathon in Dubai in February before finishing sixth at the Boston Marathon. Her recent performances underline her credentials as a leading contender for the title.

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, said, “As we step into the third decade of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, we have witnessed remarkable milestones—from record participation and new event records to some of the world’s finest elite athletes making their mark on the Delhi course. Each edition has raised the bar, and this year promises to be no different.”

He added: “The elite field assembled for the 21st edition is a testament to the stature of the event on the global running calendar. With a highly competitive line‑up, we expect every athlete to push their limits, challenge existing benchmarks, and inspire the global running community with performances of the highest order.”

This year’s Half Marathon will feature 36 of the world’s top athletes—18 men and 18 women—vying for the titles.

Elite field:

Men

Women