Olympic Champions to Headline Delhi Half Marathon 2024
The Delhi Half Marathon 2024, taking place on October 20, will feature Olympic champions Joshua Cheptegei and Peres Jepchirchir in the elite fields. Cheptegei aims for a course record, while Abhishek Pal seeks to break the national record among Indian competitors. The event includes multiple short-distance races, making it a festive occasion for amateur runners.
Olympic champions Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda and Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya will lead the elite fields at the Delhi Half Marathon 2024, set to take place on October 20. This prestigious event, recognized as a gold-standard World Athletics Label Road Race, marks its 19th edition, having commenced in 2005. Joshua Cheptegei, the reigning world record holder for the 5000m and 10,000m events, is a celebrated athlete who secured gold in the 10,000m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, achieving an Olympic record time of 26:43.14. He holds the distinction of being a three-time world champion in the same distance and clinched gold in the 5,000m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Cheptegei’s first international appearance occurred in India at the World 10K Bengaluru 2014, where he finished in second place. He expressed fondness for India, stating, “This country holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I made my international debut in 2014. It’s been a good season for me, and I am certainly looking at a course-record timing at the Delhi Half Marathon.” Peres Jepchirchir, the marathon champion from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a three-time world half-marathon winner, will lead the women’s elite field. Her remarkable achievements include a world record time of 2:16:16 at the London Marathon in April, alongside victories at the 2021 New York City Marathon and 2022 Boston Marathon. Representing India, defending champions Abhishek Pal and Kavita Yadav will compete in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. Abhishek Pal recently secured the 10,000m title at the National Open Athletics Championships and aims to set a national record in his fifth Delhi Half Marathon, proclaiming, “My mind is set on breaking the national record and going under 60 minutes.” This ambition comes as he seeks to surpass the current national record of 1:00:30 seconds, set by steeplechaser Avinash Sable, with Pal’s personal best standing at 1:04:07. In the women’s category, Kavita Yadav will face formidable competition from two-time champion Sanjivani Jadhav. The Delhi Half Marathon will also feature various short-distance events, including the Great Delhi Run, the Senior Citizens’ Run, and the Champions with Disability Run.
The Delhi Half Marathon is one of the most prestigious road races, recognized globally for its high standards as a World Athletics Label event. It brings together elite athletes from around the world, showcasing both men’s and women’s competitions. The 2024 edition will feature notable Olympic champions, enhancing the significance of the race. Additionally, the Marathon promotes inclusivity through various shorter distance runs designed for amateur athletes and the disabled community, reflecting its commitment to engaging a broader audience in the sport of running.
The Delhi Half Marathon 2024 promises to be a significant event in the athletics calendar, featuring elite competition and a platform for local athletes to showcase their talents. With Olympic champions leading both the men’s and women’s fields and defending Indian champions striving for excellence, this year’s race is poised to deliver an exciting display of athletic prowess. The inclusion of various shorter runs also emphasizes the event’s dedication to promoting health and fitness among all members of the community.
Original Source: olympics.com
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