In a thrilling display of endurance, professional doctor Kartik Keshavkara from Mumbai triumphed at the New Delhi Marathon’s 11th edition held on Sunday. His time of 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 10 seconds not only clinched the title but also ensured qualification for the Asian Games, beating the cutoff with ease.
The 28-year-old outran fierce competitors Gopi Thonakal (2:13:12) and Man Singh (2:13:15) in a photo-finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats. All three men’s top finishers shattered the 2:15:04 qualifying barrier for the September event in Japan, marking a significant milestone for Indian athletics.
Women’s full marathon winner Thakor Nirmaben clocked 2:41:15, powering past Bhagirathi (2:43:28) and Ashwini Jadhav (2:56:59). Though not at the men’s level, their grit inspired thousands.
Action in the half-marathon was equally fierce. Kuldeep Kumar led men with 1:08:51, while Ravi Bumbak and Mohammad Sahil Anigere followed closely. Janet Shikur Rashid topped women’s half at 1:19:36, with Ekta and Preeti Lamwa rounding out the podium.
Certified as India’s national marathon by the AFI, the event featured over 30,000 participants from across 31 nations. Stars like Vijender Singh and Rohan Bopanna kicked off the race and honored the champions with awards.
Full breakdown of winners:
Men’s Marathon: Kartik Jayraj Keshavkara (1st, 2:13:10), Gopi Thonakal (2nd, 2:13:12), Man Singh (3rd, 2:13:15)
Women’s Marathon: Thakor Nirmaben Bharatji (1st, 2:41:15), Bhagirathi (2nd, 2:43:28), Ashwini Madan Jadhav (3rd, 2:56:59)
Men’s Half: Kuldeep Kumar (1st, 1:08:51), Ravi Bumbak (2nd, 1:09:33), Mohammad Sahil Anigere (3rd, 1:09:41)
Women’s Half: Janet Shikur Rashid (1st, 1:19:36), Ekta (2nd, 1:19:39), Preeti Lamwa (3rd, 1:19:59)
Men’s 10K: Manav Sharma (1st, 30:40), Prakash Rai (2nd, 30:44), Vishal Singh (3rd, 34:45)
Women’s 10K: Anjali (1st, 37:05), Neha (2nd, 41:50), Anupriti Mishra (3rd, 41:48)
The New Delhi Marathon continues to be a cornerstone event, fostering talent for global competitions.