Sunday’s 11th New Delhi Marathon delivered high drama as Kartik Keshavkara, the Mumbai-based doctor, crossed the finish line first in 2:13:10, securing both the championship and a spot at the Asian Games. The 42.2km race saw him qualify effortlessly against the 2:15:04 standard for the Japan-hosted games.
Keshavkara’s win came in a heart-stopping three-way duel, fending off Gopi Thonakal by mere seconds (2:13:12) and Man Singh (2:13:15). Their collective excellence promises strong Indian representation in September.
Thakor Nirmaben shone brightest in the women’s marathon, finishing at 2:41:15 ahead of Bhagirathi and Ashwini Jadhav. The field demonstrated resilience despite not matching male counterparts’ speeds.
Half-marathon stars included Kuldeep Kumar (1:08:51 men’s winner) and Janet Shikur Rashid (1:19:36 women’s leader), with solid podiums by Ravi Bumbak, Mohammad Sahil Anigere, Ekta, and Preeti Lamwa.
With Athletics Federation of India certification, the marathon attracted a massive 30,000+ runners from 31 countries and 490 cities. Vijender Singh and Rohan Bopanna added glamour by starting the event and presenting prizes.
Complete podium results:
Marathon Men: 1. Kartik Jayraj Keshavkara – 2:13:10 | 2. Gopi Thonakal – 2:13:12 | 3. Man Singh – 2:13:15
Marathon Women: 1. Thakor Nirmaben Bharatji – 2:41:15 | 2. Bhagirathi – 2:43:28 | 3. Ashwini Madan Jadhav – 2:56:59
Half Men: 1. Kuldeep Kumar – 1:08:51 | 2. Ravi Bumbak – 1:09:33 | 3. Mohammad Sahil Anigere – 1:09:41
Half Women: 1. Janet Shikur Rashid – 1:19:36 | 2. Ekta – 1:19:39 | 3. Preeti Lamwa – 1:19:59
10K Men: 1. Manav Sharma – 0:30:40 | 2. Prakash Rai – 0:30:44 | 3. Vishal Singh – 0:34:45
10K Women: 1. Anjali – 0:37:05 | 2. Neha – 0:41:50 | 3. Anupriti Mishra – 0:41:48
This edition reinforces the marathon’s role in nurturing India’s distance running future.