Matata sets event record at Delhi half marathon

Charles Matata took the top spot among the men in the 21st Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday. The Kenyan set a new event record in the process as he clocked a personal best of 58:52, a shade better than the previous record of 58:53 held by Amedework Walelegn since 2020. His twin brother, Alex Matata, had won the 2025 edition with a timing of 59:50.

It was a memorable outing for the Kenyans in the national capital as they swept the men’s podium. Samwel Nyamai Mailu (59:24) and Stanley Mburu (59:33) finished second and third, respectively.

In the women’s category of the half marathon, Wudinesh Alemu went on to achieve a timing of 1:06:35 to take the title.

Shailesh Kushwaha and Ankita Dhyani, meanwhile, claimed the Indian Elite honours. The 20-year-old Shailesh won a closely fought men’s race in 1:05:05. Ankita, a World University Games steeplechase silver medallist, broke clear of the Indian field early and ran among the international elite to win in 1:12:46.