Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024

VDHM 2024 was the first half marathon of my life, but the journey to its start line began months earlier on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. I met two runners there who were much more experienced than me and, by a fortunate coincidence, lived close to my home. Once we returned, they became my training partners.

From June to October, Saturday mornings developed their own rhythm. We started with 10 kilometres, then gradually moved through 12, 14, 16, and 18. Every long run ended with breakfast together. During the week I added shorter five or ten-kilometre runs, but those Saturdays kept me motivated, accountable, and moving towards a distance I had never covered before. I could prepare for 21 kilometres because those two friends kept showing up with me.

Race day felt like the reward for all those mornings. I ran through Central Vista and around India Gate for the first time, taking pictures, enjoying the views, and discovering how exciting familiar Delhi roads could feel as part of a race. I maintained a pace I was happy with and enjoyed the whole route.

I did not finish under two hours, but that had never been the target. I simply wanted to complete my first half marathon in a comfortable time and enjoy the experience. I did exactly that, and the training, friendships, and race remain one of my favourite running memories.