Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2009 – Coming soon!

Update: Registrations have started. Register Now!

The good news … I have heard from the ADHM folks that the event launch will take place on August 27th, and the registrations for the event will start right after than. The event is on Nov 1st and is India’s only IAAF Gold Label race.

Event website: adhm.indiatimes.com

Photo: Tashi Tobgyal


Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is India’s premier and top rated running event which has been accredited with IAAF Road Race Gold Label for 2009. It has grown in stature over the last 4 years, with half marathon participation numbers gradually increasing from 4,000 in 2005, to 8000 in 2006, 10,000 in 2007, and probably more in 2008. Total participation figures reached 30,000 in 2008, including the other runs besides the half marathon. Over the years, the title sponsor for the event has changed from Hutch to Vodafone, and in 2008 to Airtel. This year will be a new milestone for the event, being the 5th edition of the race.

The Delhi Half Marathon also has great significance for me. Besides being a local event, it was also my first run and pushed me into running, and there has been no going back. I have run this event from its inception, and this will be my cool 5th Delhi Half Marathon. What is surprising is that my best performance of 2:12 has been in the first year, and I have found myself not in the best shape health wise around the event the past few years. This year, I will be pushing all the way and try to get a sub 2 hours for the first time. This will also be my attempt to put some speed into my legs before I attempt the Comrades 2010 qualifier in Jan at Dubai Marathon.

The event has seen participation of some of the best names in world running. Last year’s race was run at a blazing pace, and was probably one of the fastest races of the year with all the top three places going within the 1 hour mark and Deriba Merga (winner of the 2009 Boston marathon, and 2009 Sunfeast World 10K run in Bangalore) getting the top place in 59:15, a new event record. The womens race was won by Asefelech Mergia (also winner of 2009 Sunfeast World 10K). Also, check IAAF report on the event.

Okay, coming to this years race, it will soon be time to start training for the half marathon. Decent training requires two to three months of sincere effort, and you would find a variety of training plans on the web to help you train for the event. Here is a good list, choose the plan which looks good to you! I have personally stuck to the Hal Higdon plans over the years.