New Delhi, Feb 20 (.) The 11th edition of Cognizant New Delhi Marathon, slated for Monday, will be one of the biggest sports events in the country, with more than 30,000 participants participating.
This marathon will also serve as a qualifying race for the upcoming Asian Games.
The race will feature 15,000 half marathoners and 7000 full marathoners, and more than 8000 other running enthusiasts.
The event is particularly significant as it is certified as a National Marathon by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), recognized by the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS), as well as by World Athletics.
2008 Beijing Olympics boxing medalist Vijender Singh and Olympian tennis player Rohan Bopanna will flag off the marathon from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
“The event will see participation by more than 30,000 runners from 490 cities across 32 states and union territories of the nation, making it a truly national event,” said officials.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will start services from 3:30 am onwards on Sunday in order to help participants reach the starting venue.
The race categories include- Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and 5km.
Indian Elite Marathon Team members who would participate include- Anish Thapa, Beliyappa, Man Singh, Gopi T, Dr. Karthik, Akshay Saini, Bhagirathi Bisht, Nirmaben Thakur Bharatji, Ashwini Madan Jadhav, Disket Dolma and Stanzin Dolkar.
“This marathon will showcase the country’s finest distance-running talent,” said Rupinder Singh, a former India track and field champion.
In keeping with the inclusive nature of the race, about 20 visually impaired athletes will also feature in the marathon.
The event will also raise Rs 10 lakh, which has been donated to the Athletics Federation of India in support of its Junior Development Programme, which will strengthen athletics at the grassroots level in the country.
Nasik based athlete Thakor Nirmaben who has won the silver medal at the event on two occasions seemed determined to secure a gold on this year’s edition.
Speaking to . Bharatji said, “My personal best is 2 hours 47 minutes and 11 seconds, which I completed in Mumbai in 2024. This time I want to complete by 2 hours and 40 minutes.”
She added,”I am in good form and hence I am confident I can better my best and win gold this time.”
Indian Army runner Manoj Kumar, who won the Nashik MVP Marathon 2026 held on January will also be participating for the first time at the Cognizant Delhi marathon. He is hoping to secure a spot in the Aichi- Nagoya Asian Games 2026
“My personal best is 2 hours and 20 minutes which I clocked at the MVP Nasik marathon and the number required for the Asian Games is 2:15 minutes. I can make the cut as the route is flat, the weather is also fine … so the race will be fast,” Kumar said.
Reeth Abraham, Director of NEB Sports Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, the organisers of the race told ., “Marathons are growing in the country in the past 10-15 years we see a lot of marathons talking place, so many Indians, not only athletes, but common people are taking to running, it is very encouraging.”
Reeth, a former India long jumper and Arjuna Awardee noted with satisfaction that marathons are gaining popularity in the country and added,” 10-12 years ago you didn’t see too many full or half marathoners. In this edition we have close to 15,000 half marathoners and 7000 full marathoners registered and it is growing.”
She pointed out that people are conscious about their health and added, “You just need a pair of shoes, and some of them run without shoes as well.” . . JRC