Delhi Half Marathon 2025: Alemaddis, Legese lead the field amid firm challenge from Kenyans
Ethiopian runners will be hoping to continue their dominance at the Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday; Alemaddis Eyayu will look to defend the women’s title while compatriot Birhanu Legese will aim for his third title in the men’s section in his 10th appearance in the event.
It won’t be easy though, with a strong Kenyan representation led by world cross-country medallist Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, hoping to end a 10-year title drought for Kenyan women in the event.
“Every season teaches you something new. This year, I’ve learned to be patient with my body and trust the process.
“I come to Delhi stronger, not just physically but mentally too — ready to run with heart,” Eyayu said here during an interaction on Thursday.
Lilian, who won the Prague half-marathon earlier this year, is targeting the course record of 1:04:46, set by Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw in 2020.
She will also be hoping to become the first Kenyan to win the women’s race since Cynthia Limo in 2015.
“Injuries remind you how much you love sport. Now I focus on staying strong and consistent,” the 28-year-old said.
The 31-year-old Legese won in 2015 and 2017 and, along with Kenyans Benard Biwott and Isaac Kipkemboi, is one of the seven men with a personal best of under one hour.
The half-marathon has a total prize purse of USD 260,000 with equal winners’ cheques of USD 27000 for both men and women and a bonus of USD 12000 for any athlete who sets a new benchmark.
Published on Oct 09, 2025