Delhi Half Marathon: Ethiopian teenager Andamalak Belihu wins men’s elite race

Ethiopian teenager Andamalak Belihu on Sunday overcame stiff competition from compatriot Amdework Walelegn in the men’s elite field to win his maiden Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.

Belihu, who finished second last year, improved on his personal best timing to clock 59:18 seconds. Walelegn clinched the silver, ending the race with a time of 59:22 seconds. It was a first-time victory at the course for both the winners. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Daniel Kipchumba grabbed the third spot with a time of 59:48 seconds.

Among the Indians in the men’s elite race, Abhishek Pal won the men’s race clocking 1:4:14 seconds. Avinash Sable grabbed the silver with a timing of 1:04:14, while Asian marathon champion Gopi T claimed the third spot on the podium finishing at 1:04:15.

On the other hand, youngster Sanjivani Jadhav was the best Indian in the women’s elite field finishing with a time of 1:13:58. Parul Chaudhary and Monika Athare finished second and third respectively.

Celebrating its 14th year in the city, the Delhi Half Marathon was flagged off from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Jai Singh Marg near the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Building. The marathon was flagged-off by athlete Adille Sumariwalla. Jonty Rhodes was also present at the event to encourage participants.

Over 34,000 marathoners participated in different categories of the marathon. The categories included Half Marathon, Open 10K Run, Great Delhi Run, Senior Citizens’ Run, and the Champions with Disability.

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