New Delhi, 16 September (H.S.): The prestigious finisher medal for the 21st edition of the World Athletics Gold Label Race — Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon — was unveiled on Wednesday by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat. The medal symbolises an achievement for every runner and the hard work and determination that takes them across the finish line.

The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting from the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Thousands of runners from India and across the world will take to the streets of the national capital with a common goal — to cross the finish line and earn their finisher medal.

Over the past two decades, the event has become an integral part of Delhi’s sporting identity. It brings the city together as a celebration of fitness, participation and the spirit of running. In many ways, its enduring legacy reflects the vision of a fit and healthy India being advanced through the Fit India Movement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “With its focus on health, fitness, the growing participation of women, and its wider socio-economic and philanthropic impact, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has become an important initiative for the national capital. The enthusiasm and joy of the participants are truly inspiring, and the Delhi Government stands firmly behind the event to ensure that this edition is an even greater success.”

Kapil Mishra, Minister for Labour, Employment and Tourism, Government of Delhi, said, “The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has become an important event on Delhi’s annual calendar, bringing together people from different parts of the country and the world. The Delhi Government and Delhi Tourism are fully committed to promoting sporting events that further strengthen Delhi’s position as a tourism destination. We look forward to making the October 18 edition a grand success.”

Continuing the tradition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, the 2026 finisher medal brings together India’s rich natural heritage and the individual journey of every runner. The medal has been crafted from high-quality zinc sourced from the historic Zawar Mines in Udaipur, one of the world’s oldest zinc mining regions. The medal has been manufactured by Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company.

With its new and striking design, the 2026 finisher medal celebrates the achievement of every runner who crosses the finish line. It is not merely a keepsake received on race day, but a symbol of each participant’s hard work, determination and personal triumph that makes reaching the finish line meaningful.

The medal was unveiled at a time when the race is witnessing unprecedented enthusiasm from Delhi residents. Registrations for the half marathon closed within just 100 hours, marking the fastest registration closure in the event’s history. The Great Delhi Run, Champions with Disability and Senior Citizen Run have also received an overwhelming response, with registrations filling up rapidly.

The response reflects the growing passion for fitness and running in Delhi. It also demonstrates how the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has evolved into a celebration that brings the entire city together through speed, participation and purpose.

Shripad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “For every runner, the finisher medal is a powerful reminder that great achievements are built through consistency, discipline and perseverance. Much like a marathon, the journey towards financial well-being is also completed one step at a time — with clear goals and a commitment to keep moving forward. Over the years, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has evolved from being merely a race into a movement that celebrates fitness, resilience and collective well-being. At IDFC FIRST Bank, our customer-centric approach is focused on enabling long-term progress, and we are proud to support an event that inspires people to challenge themselves and contribute to building a fitter and healthier India.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar