CM Omar Abdullah Participates in Delhi Half Marathon 2025, Records Personal Best Timing Amid Celebratory Event

New Delhi, Oct 12: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 on Sunday, completing the race with a personal best finishing time of 1 hour, 53 minutes, and 35 seconds, running at a pace of 5:24 minutes per kilometre. His participation reflected both his dedication to personal fitness and his encouragement of the nationwide movement to promote health and wellness.

Soon after finishing the race, Abdullah took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his achievement. “Just completed the #VedantaDelhiHalfMarathon with a personal best finishing time,” he wrote, posting a photo from the event. As per the details he shared, he crossed the finish line at 6:53 a.m., marking a new milestone in his running journey.

The 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon was flagged off earlier in the morning by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the presence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. The event witnessed participation from more than 40,000 runners, including 10,000 women, making it one of India’s largest and most inclusive fitness gatherings.

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed his appreciation for the tremendous public response to the event. “The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, which began in 2005, has now completed 25 successful years. The enthusiasm among participants is inspiring. More than 40,000 people, including 10,000 women, took part this year, which shows that the Prime Minister’s Fit India Movement is truly motivating citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles,” Saxena said. He added that such initiatives help in building a stronger, healthier, and more united nation.

All three branches of the Indian Armed Forces also took part in the marathon. Senior officers including Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh of the Air Force, Lt Gen Rahul R. Singh of the Army, and Vice Admiral L. S. Pathania of the Navy joined the run, symbolizing discipline, endurance, and national pride.

The event also featured international sports icons who inspired the participants. Olympic legend Carl Lewis, the International Event Ambassador, attended the marathon to cheer the runners. He was joined by Olympic bronze medallist and Puma ambassador Sarabjot Singh and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Tejasvin Shankar, whose presence added excitement and motivation to the event.

India’s elite athletes were among the top contenders in the race. Asian Champion and national record holder Gulveer Singh led the men’s field along with Abhishek Pal and Kiran Matre, while Lili Das returned to defend her title in the women’s category against strong competitors Sanjivani Jadhav and Ankita Dhyani.

Over the years, the Delhi Half Marathon has evolved from a sporting event into a nationwide celebration of fitness and community spirit. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s participation and personal record underscored his commitment to leading by example and encouraging the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to embrace sports and physical activity as essential parts of life.

The 2025 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon brought together people from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere of energy, discipline, and unity while spreading a powerful message of health and well-being across the nation.