Ethiopia's Birhanu Legese, a two-time champion of the Delhi Half Marathon, arrives in New Delhi as one of the frontrunners for the 21st edition of the World Athletics Gold Label Race, set to be held on Sunday, 19 October 2026. Legese is chasing a third title at the event — the 21st Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon — which carries a total prize purse of USD 275,732, with each race winner taking home USD 27,000 and a course-record bonus of USD 12,000 on offer.

Legese and the International Men's Field

At the pre-race press conference on Friday, Legese expressed confidence about his prospects. 'I am in good shape and have trained well, and we will see on Sunday. I like Delhi; it is almost like a second home. I have come here many times, and I like the people and the organisers,' he said. He revealed that his build-up included a training stint in Kaptagat alongside marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, citing the traffic and logistical challenges in Addis Ababa as reasons for relocating his base. Despite missing the podium in the previous edition, Legese said he remained motivated with a clear goal for Sunday.

Kenya's Charles Matata, who serves with the Kenyan police, is another strong contender. He claimed the Riga Half Marathon in Latvia earlier this year in a time of 59:15. 'I personally love half marathons. I am also good at speed work, and I believe my consistency comes from training with strong teams. We always approach races with a winning mentality,' Matata said, noting that the mindset had helped him consistently finish in the top two of most half marathons.

Women's Field: Cheptai Returns, Salpeter Makes India Debut

Kenya's Irine Cheptai, the 2022 Delhi Half Marathon champion — affectionately known as the 'Queen of India' in her home country — is back after a strong season that included a win at the Dubai Half Marathon in February and a runner-up finish at the Sydney Marathon in August. However, she arrives still recovering from the marathon exertion. 'After the Sydney Marathon, I decided to take a two-week break before returning to training. I am still recovering, and I wouldn't say I am in top shape at the moment, but I will do my best on Sunday,' she said.

Another notable contender is Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, the Kenyan-born Israeli athlete who claimed a bronze medal in the marathon at the World Athletics Championships four years ago. Salpeter, who spends much of her training time in Iten, Kenya, will be making her first-ever visit to India while continuing her comeback from a hamstring injury sustained in May. 'I am proud to represent Israel. People there have embraced me and are always proud of me. This is my first visit to India, and I am looking forward to Sunday, although I am still coming back from an injury,' she said.

India's Elite Field: Matre, Das Lead the Home Charge

The Indian elite contingent carries considerable expectation. Kiran Matre, who finished runner-up last year with a personal best of 1:04:57, heads the men's challenge despite managing a hip injury that disrupted his preparations earlier in the year. 'My preparation is good, and I am looking forward to the race. I will definitely try to achieve my best timing,' he said.

On the women's side, Lily Das, the 2024 Indian Elite Women's champion, is aiming to go one better after finishing fourth last year in 1:16:27 — a performance that improved her previous year's time by two minutes yet still left her off the podium in an increasingly deep field. Das identified Ankita Dhyani as her sharpest rival. 'I think it's getting very competitive. I improved my 2024 time by two minutes last year and still missed the podium. Ankita is a fierce competitor, and hopefully, we can push each other to deliver a strong finish,' she said.

Dhyani, who brings a strong track background to road racing, made her half marathon debut at this event last year, finishing fifth among Indian elite women in 1:17:52. 'My experience is less, but I will be smart in the race. I am hoping to do my best,' she said.

Physician and runner Dr. Kartik Karkera completes the Indian elite squad, having steadily climbed the results sheet — from last place on debut to 10th in 2024 and third in 2025. He made his international debut representing India at the Asian Games earlier this year.

Indian Elite Prize Structure

The top three Indian Elite finishers in both the men's and women's categories will receive ₹3,50,000, ₹2,50,000, and ₹1,50,000 respectively, with an additional ₹1,00,000 available to any athlete who sets a new Indian Elite record at the event.

With a world-class international field, genuine Indian medal contenders, and a course-record bonus still unclaimed, Sunday's race sets up as the most competitive Delhi Half Marathon in recent memory.