The 20th Edition of the Delhi Half Marathon: A Milestone for Social Causes
On October 12, 2025, New Delhi witnessed an extraordinary display of community spirit and athletic prowess during the 20th edition of the Delhi Half Marathon. With an impressive 40,500 runners participating, the event not only celebrated fitness but also significantly contributed to various social causes, raising an incredible INR 4.12 crore.
A Platform for Philanthrophy
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has long been recognized as one of India’s premier sporting events that drive philanthropic endeavors. This year’s event saw collaboration with Philanthropy Partner Lakshyaa, enabling the fundraiser to support 16 different social causes. Since its inception, the marathon has collectively raised more than INR 88.63 crore, cementing its legacy as a catalyst for social change through sport.
Voices of Change: Nikhil Pant’s Vision
Nikhil Pant, the Founder of Lakshyaa, expressed his excitement and passion for this year’s milestone event. He shared his three-decade journey at the intersection of policy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India. Pant emphasized, “Real change happens when passion is channeled with intent.” This belief resonated throughout the marathon, highlighting the importance of commitment and teamwork in both running and social development efforts.
The Power of Collective Efforts
During the event, participants from various sectors came together in a united effort to make a difference. Corporations, NGOs, individuals, and runners highlighted what Lakshyaa stands for—turning intent into impact. Through this partnership, they amplified the social sector’s voice, empowering NGOs to enhance their fundraising capabilities and inspiring runners to see their efforts as steps toward fostering a more equitable future.
Vedanta’s Initiatives in Action
One of the standout elements of this year’s marathon was the substantial contributions from Vedanta, the title sponsor. Their flagship social impact initiative, #RunForZeroHunger under Nand Ghar, has achieved remarkable milestones by distributing nearly 20 million nutritious meals over the past three editions. In 2025, Vedanta took this campaign further by distributing 5 million Poshan Packs, linking nutritional support directly to the kilometres run during the marathon.
A Holistic Approach to Social Welfare
The marathon’s philanthropic efforts extended to include animal welfare through The Animal Care Organisation (TACO), emphasizing Vedanta’s commitment to nurturing all forms of life under the principle of ‘One Health’. This holistic approach not only addresses human needs but also advocates for animal welfare, showcasing a comprehensive view of societal well-being.
Diverse Causes Supported by the NGOs
The nature of the causes supported by the NGOs involved in the marathon was diverse. Fundraising activities targeted various issues, including early childcare and development, education, health and well-being, financial stability, environmental sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. This variety allows the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon to serve as a platform for dialogue around shared challenges and opportunities within the community.
Corporate Engagement in Community Welfare
As sustainability becomes a guiding principle, more corporations are choosing to invest in social good through charities each year. This year, 15 corporate entities with over 1,000 employees joined 2,716 individual donors to champion various social causes. Shreepad Shende, the Chief Marketing Officer at IDFC FIRST Bank, noted, “The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon stands for the spirit of togetherness and giving back,” reinforcing the event’s community-focused ethos.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
Each year, the Delhi Half Marathon commits to transparency in its fundraising efforts. A Philanthropy Docket is unveiled, detailing all funds raised, to ensure accountability and trust among participants and donors. This year’s launch was attended by esteemed partners and dignitaries, highlighting the collaborative efforts taken to promote social good.
The remarkable turnout and fundraising achievements of the 20th Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon illustrate how sport can serve as a powerful vehicle for social change, fostering connections and amplifying collective efforts toward a better future.