The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) 2025, held on October 12 in the heart of India's capital, blended athletic excellence with profound social impact, drawing over 40,000 participants to the iconic streets of New Delhi. Kenyan sensation Alex Matata claimed the men's elite title in a commanding display, clocking an impressive 1:01:45 to outpace his rivals and etch his name into the event's storied history. The women's elite race was equally thrilling, with Ethiopia's Tadu Abate Nega crossing the finish line first in 1:09:32, showcasing the international flair that has become synonymous with the VDHM. Beyond the elite fields, the event's open categories buzzed with amateur runners, families, and corporate teams, all united under the banner of #RunForZeroHunger—a Vedanta-led campaign aimed at combating child malnutrition across rural India. This 15th edition not only celebrated human endurance but also amplified a collective commitment to social good, transforming every stride into a step toward eradicating hunger.

At the core of the 2025 VDHM was Vedanta's groundbreaking pledge: one Poshan Pack—a nutrient-rich supplement tailored for children—for every kilometer run by participants. The response was nothing short of phenomenal, with runners collectively logging over 5 million kilometers, shattering the initial target and securing 5 million Poshan Packs for distribution. These packs, fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, are designed to address micronutrient deficiencies that plague millions of Indian children, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The initiative, integrated seamlessly into the marathon's fabric, saw real-time tracking via a dedicated app, where participants could witness their efforts directly contributing to the cause. This surge in engagement—up 20% from the previous year—highlights the growing synergy between fitness enthusiasts and philanthropy, turning a sporting spectacle into a nationwide movement against malnutrition.

Central to this impact is Nand Ghar, Vedanta's flagship social project in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Launched in 2016, Nand Ghar reimagines traditional anganwadis as modern, tech-enabled centers that deliver holistic support to rural families. Each Nand Ghar provides daily nutrition through Poshan Packs, routine health check-ups via telemedicine kiosks, and early childhood education programs that foster cognitive development.

With nearly 10,000 operational centers spanning 15 states—from Rajasthan's arid deserts to Bihar's fertile plains—the project has reached over 3 million children and empowered 500,000 women through skill-building workshops in areas like tailoring, digital literacy, and micro-entrepreneurship. Stories abound of transformed lives: young mothers gaining financial independence, children thriving academically, and communities breaking free from the cycle of poverty. The VDHM's proceeds and pledges directly bolster Nand Ghar's expansion, ensuring sustainable nutrition security and gender equity in India's heartland.

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The event's ripple effects extend far beyond the finish line, underscoring Vedanta's vision of corporate responsibility intertwined with national development goals. CEO Anil Agarwal, in his opening address, emphasized, "Running for zero hunger isn't just a slogan—it's a promise we're keeping, one pack at a time." The marathon's diverse categories, including the popular 10K and 5K fun runs, accommodated runners of all ages and abilities, fostering inclusivity while raising awareness. International athletes like Matata and Nega not only elevated the competitive stakes but also drew global media spotlight to the cause, amplifying India's soft power on the world stage. As the dust settled on the Yamuna Expressway route, lined with cheering crowds and cultural performances, the VDHM 2025 stood as a testament to resilience—both on the track and in the fight against hunger.

Looking ahead, the success of this edition paves the way for even bolder ambitions in 2026, with Vedanta eyeing a 10-million Poshan Pack milestone. By harnessing the energy of India's running community, the VDHM continues to bridge fitness and social justice, proving that collective action can nourish bodies and dreams alike. For participants like Delhi resident Priya Sharma, who ran her first half-marathon, the event was transformative: "Knowing my steps fed a child made every kilometer worthwhile." In a nation where 35% of children under five suffer from stunting due to malnutrition, initiatives like #RunForZeroHunger offer hope, one empowered stride at a time.

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