Kashmir, October 12, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stole the spotlight at the iconic 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, crossing the finish line in a personal best time of 1 hour, 53 minutes, and 35 seconds, with an impressive pace of 5:24 minutes per kilometer. Joining over 40,500 enthusiastic participants from across the globe, Abdullah’s spirited run highlighted his commitment to fitness and inspired thousands at the annual celebration of endurance and wellness.The event, flagged off by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the presence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, transformed Delhi’s streets into a vibrant sea of runners. Over 40,000 athletes, including 10,000 women, converged near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, embodying the spirit of the Fit India movement championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“This sends the message that due to the Fit India call given by the Prime Minister, people today want to participate more and more in sports and stay fit,” Saxena remarked, praising the overwhelming public response.Abdullah, a known fitness advocate, completed the challenging 21-kilometer course, finishing at 6:53 a.m. amid cheers from fellow runners and spectators. In an exuberant post on X, he shared, “Just completed the #vedantadelhihalfmarathon with a personal best finishing time,” accompanied by photos and videos capturing his determination on the capital’s roads. His achievement not only marked a milestone in his running journey but also underscored the growing culture of health and community in India. “Events like these not only help promote the culture of running in the country, they also build an ecosystem that benefits the underprivileged,” Abdullah noted, emphasizing the marathon’s broader impact.
The marathon drew elite participation from India’s armed forces, with senior officers like Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (Air Force), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh (Army), and Vice Admiral LS Pathania (Navy) joining the half-marathon category, symbolizing discipline and national unity. Adding to the star power, legendary athlete Carl Lewis graced the occasion, while Abdullah’s sons ran the 10K category, turning the event into a family affair.Since its inception in 2005, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has evolved into one of Asia’s premier running spectacles, raising funds for charitable causes and fostering a nationwide fitness ethos. Abdullah’s standout performance serves as a beacon for youth in Jammu and Kashmir, encouraging active lifestyles amid the region’s push for sports development. As the dust settles on Delhi’s roads, anticipation builds for upcoming events like the Kashmir Half Marathon on November 2, where Abdullah is expected to lace up once more.For more on the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, visit vedantadelhihalfmarathon.com.
