Delhi half marathon: African battle on capital’s streets as Ethiopians, Kenyans duel to break course record

Chala Regasa's quest for another title faces a formidable challenge in Daniel Ebenyo.

Kenyans and Ethiopians are set to engage in a fierce battle on the streets of Delhi as they strive to shatter course records at the upcoming Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, scheduled for this Sunday. The elite international athletes will be welcomed on Sunday by a relatively flat course, but hot weather conditions could act as the big hurdle in their aspiration to clock their season’s or personal best times.

This 18th edition of the annual running spectacle boasts an array of world-class middle and long-distance runners. Defending champion Chala Regasa of Ethiopia, who completed the Delhi Half Marathon in 60 minutes and 30 seconds last year, expressed his excitement about returning to the national capital.

“It feels great to be here and I am very excited to run in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. I am in good shape,” Regasa told reporters adding that he would be looking to register his personal best time of 59 minutes:10 seconds he took to top the podium of the Barcelona Half Marathon last year.

Regasa trains with legendary middle-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele three times a week and that does motivate him to keep improving.

Kenya’s reigning 10,000m World Half Marathon Championship silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo is easily the favourite for this year’s Delhi Half Marathon. He had also clinched a silver medal in the 10K run at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

As a kid, Ebenyo used to run about 24 km a day to cover the distance between his home and school and he expressed his happiness to be in India for the race.

"I started running at the age of 12. I used to see some people's running pictures in magazines and that inspired me to start running," Ebenyo said during the press conference.

Two-time winner of the Kolkata 25K, Leonard Barsoton of Kenya is not new to Indian roads. He has overcome an Achilles injury to compete in India and expressed his love for the country.

"India loves me and I love India. I always win when I come to India. I battled an Achilles injury last year, but now I have fully recovered. I hope I record my personal best on Sunday," said Barsoton, who has a personal best of 59:09 clocked in 2019 Valencia Half Marathon. 

2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist in 5000m, Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya, will be part of the elite women’s field. Vivian has a long list of international titles in her bag and her presence will only spice up Sunday’s race.

“Thank you, Delhi for inviting me to the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. I have been away for a few years because I had a baby and look forward to the race on Sunday. I would say that I get very happy when I see the pictures of me running and it’s a privilege to an athlete. 2010 was the first time I was in Delhi and I really enjoyed the attention,” said Vivian, who would be happy to celebrate the second birthday of her second child this month with a win in Delhi. 

Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia, who won the 10,000m gold in 2016 Rio Games and the Delhi Half Marathon in 2017, is back in India to contend for the title. Her compatriot Mare Dibaba, who won a marathon bronze in the same Games, will also try her best to draw adulation on race day.

“I am excited about the upcoming race and the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. There has been a gap but I am ready for the race on Sunday,” Almaz said.

“Since I am coming back from injury and a long break, I am looking forward to the Delhi Half Marathon, it will help me understand where I am in comparison to others and my own standards as well. The Delhi Half Marathon will definitely help me, and I will see the performance and then decide on the future,” she added.

Running in her 24th half marathon, Mare stated “This Sunday, will be my first race this year. I am not too worried about the heat. It is important for the temperature to be good for a nice race. But I will hope that things work out fine and we have a good race.”

The overall prize money for the Delhi Half Marathon stands at $ 268,000 with the international elite winners standing a chance to pocket $27,000 each. In case a course record is broken, the champion runner in both classes will gain a bonus amount of $12,000 each.

Elite Athletes (Men)

1. Chala Regasa	ETH/1997
2. Daniel Ebenyo	KEN/1995
3. Roncer Konga	KEN/1994
4. Leonard Barsoton	KEN/1994
5. Tesfahun Akalnew	ETH/1999
6. Isaia Lasoi	KEN/1999
7. Gemechu Dida	ETH/1999
8. Isaac Kipkemboi	KEN/2000
9. Getachew Masresha	ETH/2000
10. Charles Matata	KEN/1997
11. Boki Diriba	ETH/2004
12. Vincent Kimaiyo	KEN/2004
13. Embay Goitom	ETH/2002
14. Daniel Zewude	ETH/2004
15. Addisu Gobena	ETH/2004
16. Gideon Kiprotich Rop	KEN/2001

Elite Athletes (Women)

101.               Almaz Ayana	ETH/1991
102.               Vivian Cheriyot	KEN/1983
103.               Betelihem Afenigus	ETH/2001
104.               Viola Chepngeno	KEN/1998
105.               Mare Dibaba	ETH/1989
106.               Anchinalu Dessie	ETH/2003
107.               Bertukan Welde	ETH/2004
108.               Stella Chesang	UGA/1996
109.               Aberash Minsewo	ETH/2001
110.               Annet Chelangat	UGA/1993
111.               Belinda Chemutai	UGA/2000
112.               Nurit Ahmed	ETH/2004