Since its inception, the National Capital’s very own prestigious half marathon has raised over INR 79.35 crore towards charity.

Being a cause neutral platform, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon had NGOs from multiple causes, ranging from early childcare and development, education and youth success, health and well-being, financial stability, environment and sustainability, disaster response and preparedness and diversity and inclusion. While fundraising is one aspect, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2022 also provided the partnering NGOs with a platform to initiate dialogue on issues of shared importance.

Another key spectacle during the event was the youth signing up as cause champions, raising awareness and funds for causes close to their hearts and support the less privileged. The event also witnessed the participation of 14 Corporates with 335 Employees holding cause flags of various social sector organizations, contributing close to 60% of the total fundraising this year.

Speaking about this year’s edition, Rina Kaushal, Board Chair, United Way Delhi, said: “As the city experienced the iconic sports event this year, on 16th of October, the streets of Delhi not only witnessed the footsteps of the runners from India and the globe but also hundreds and thousands of hearts throbbing to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

Boosting the event’s philanthropic drive were Vedanta Limited and IDFC FIRST Bank, the event’s Title sponsor and Associate sponsor respectively, who marked their maiden association with the world’s prestigious half marathon with innovative social impact campaigns that struck a chord with the runners.

Indian conglomerate Vedanta’s #RunForZeroHunger campaign translated to a nutritious meal for a needy child for every kilometre logged during the race — 2 million meals in all — through its flagship social impact initiative Nand Ghar.

Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Limited, said, “It has been a surreal experience to witness the fervour and zeal at the 17th edition of the prestigious Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. Over 40,000 people from across the world participated in the prestigious run, colouring the streets of Delhi in the spirit of humanity as they all ran for a larger purpose - they all ran for zero hunger! 26,000 runners on the race day and 15,000 Vedanta family came together and clocked more than 2 million kilometres. Through our Nand Ghar initiative, we are ensuring that these 2 million nutritious meals are served to children in need for their healthier future.”

The technology-led bank’s Runners Pledge incentivised fast finishers by rewarding participants who completed the 10K and half marathon within a specified time. Successful runners could then contribute the sum credited to them towards social causes dear to them.

Strategic handholding of grassroots organizations and helping them leverage the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon philanthropy was a key focus for United Way Delhi. Happy with the success and visibility for the cause, many of the partnering organizations have started brainstorming and discussing for the next edition.

Vivek Singh, Jt MD of race promoters Procam International, said: “Charity has played a big role in distance running since time immemorial. Kudos to the people of Delhi for turning the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon into one of India’s largest sports philanthropy platforms with their generous participation in the spirit of giving.”