New Delhi [India], October 18 (ANI): Charles Matata clinched the men's elite title at the 21st edition of the Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday, setting a new course record of 58:52 and eclipsing the previous mark of 58:53 set by Ethiopia's Amedework Walelegn in 2020 by one second.

Matata delivered a strong performance to claim the top spot in the men's elite race, finishing ahead of Samuel Niamay Milu, who secured second place with a time of 59 minutes and 24 seconds. Stanley Buru completed the podium, finishing third in the competitive field.

Matata's course-record performance marked a significant highlight of this year's edition of the Delhi Half Marathon, which brought together elite athletes and thousands of running enthusiasts in the national capital.

In the women's elite category, Ethiopia's Wudinesh Alemu clinched the title with a time of 1:06:35. Kenya's Selah Businei finished second in 1:07:01, while compatriot Cynthia Chelangat Chepkwony secured third place with a time of 1:07:32.

Shailesh Kushwaha clinched the men's Indian elite title with a time of 1:05:05. Gaurav Mathur finished a close second in 1:05:11, while Hemant Kumar secured third place with a time of 1:05:37.

Ankita Dhyani clinched her maiden gold in the Indian elite women's category at the Delhi Half Marathon with a provisional time of 1:12:46.

The event, recognised as a World Athletics Gold Label Race, continued to showcase high-level long-distance running, attracting participants from India and across the world.

The 21st edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon witnessed participation from more than 41,000 runners, reinforcing its position as one of Asia's premier road-running events.

The annual race also aims to promote fitness, encourage wider participation in running, and inspire people from different backgrounds to embrace an active lifestyle. (ANI)