Bhubaneswar – Kenyan long-distance runner Alex Matata stormed to victory at the 2025 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, completing the 21.097 km course in 59:50. The win was a deeply personal one, as Alex stepped in for his twin brother, Charles Matata, who had to withdraw due to a knee injury just weeks before the race.
“I kept pushing myself knowing my brother couldn’t be here. Every step was for him,” Alex said after crossing the finish line, his emotions reflecting both the physical and personal challenge of the race.
This marked a remarkable turnaround for Matata, who was the runner-up in last year’s edition. The 20th edition of the marathon, held on October 12, 2025, drew over 40,000 participants, including elite international athletes and amateur runners.
In the women’s elite race, Kenya’s Lilian Kasait Rengeruk continued her nation’s dominance in long-distance running, clinching the title with a time of 1:07:20. Among Indian athletes, Abhishek Pal was the fastest male runner with 1:04:17, while Seema led the women’s field, clocking 1:11:23.
Beyond the competition, the marathon also highlighted its social impact through the #RunForZeroHunger initiative. For every kilometer run, Vedanta pledged to provide a Poshan Pack to children through the Nand Ghar program. Participants collectively ran over 5 million kilometers, ensuring 5 million nutritious supplements for children in rural India.
Reflecting on his achievement, Alex added, “Winning is incredible, but knowing my run will feed thousands of children makes it even more meaningful.”
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 showcased not only athletic excellence but also the power of sport to inspire and create real-world impact.
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