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Comprehensive Safety Measures in Place for Every Runner
New Delhi, October 14, 2026: The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026 is set to make history with over 41,000 participants expected across on-ground and virtual categories. Organised by Procam International, the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race will take place on Sunday, October 18, with comprehensive arrangements in place to ensure runners’ safety, comfort and a seamless race-day experience.
The race-day preparations were outlined in the presence of Dr Sameer Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Co-Medical Director of VDHM 2026; Dr Sonia Lal Gupta, Senior Neurologist and Co-Medical Director of VDHM 2026; and Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International.
Comprehensive medical and security arrangements
With runner safety as a priority, the organisers have coordinated with medical teams, Delhi Police and other stakeholders to provide extensive support throughout the course and at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the event’s start and finish venue.
The medical arrangements, led by the Metro Group of Hospitals, include 11 medical stations along the route, 450 medical personnel, 25 medical spotters, nine medics on bikes, 12 Advanced Cardiac Life Support ambulances and three golf carts. A medical base camp with an intensive care unit setup will also be established after the finish line.
Delhi Police will deploy approximately 200 police personnel and 70–80 traffic police personnel to manage security and ensure smooth movement along the route.
Dr Sameer Gupta said that the medical teams have made extensive preparations for the fifth consecutive year, with the safety and well-being of more than 41,000 runners remaining the foremost priority.
Route modifications and runner support
As part of the final preparations, minor refinements are being made to the Half Marathon route. The Open 10K will start from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 7:35 am, following a revised route instead of the earlier planned start from Sansad Marg.
Participants will have access to hydration and refreshment facilities, including water and rehydration stations, mist zones, orange and salt stations, chikki stations and cheering zones. Twelve motivation zones featuring sponsor-led activities, the Navy Band, Delhi Drummers Circle and Youth for Seva groups will add energy to the race.
Around 850 volunteers, supported by 21 running clubs, will assist participants and help manage key on-course facilities.
Free Metro travel and early train services
To facilitate convenient travel, registered participants will be eligible for complimentary Delhi Metro travel on race day, October 18. Metro services on the Red, Yellow, Blue and Violet lines will commence early at 3:30 am, with trains operating at 15-minute intervals until 4:15 am, followed by 20-minute intervals.
E-rickshaws will also be available from Jor Bagh Metro Station to the drop-off point for Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Dedicated parking facilities will be available for Half Marathon participants, subject to the stipulated arrangements.
Focus on sustainability and responsible waste management
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026 is committed to conducting a 100% waste-managed race and has received Bronze-level recognition from World Athletics for its sustainability efforts.
Measures include source segregation of waste, recycling of PET bottles and packaging, composting of food waste, treatment of sewage, reuse of leftover water for watering trees and the upcycling of event branding materials. The organisers are also encouraging participants to use public transport, the Metro and bicycles to reduce travel-related emissions.
More than 100 NDMC sanitation workers will support waste collection and segregation, in collaboration with NDMC, Hasiru Dala Innovations and Chintan. The event will also promote community welfare through initiatives such as used-shoe collection and surplus-food donations.
Dr Ankita Rai, Chief Medical Officer, Public Health, New Delhi Municipal Council, said the event represents a broader movement towards a cleaner and greener Delhi, with environmental responsibility integrated into its operations.
Sporting event with significant economic impact
Highlighting the event’s wider contribution, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said a socio-economic impact study conducted by Miranda House estimated the event’s impact on Delhi-NCR at more than ₹400 crore. Participants travelling from across the country contribute to local businesses, hospitality and retail, reinforcing the marathon’s significance beyond sport.
Race schedule and live coverage
All races will start and finish at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Half Marathon Elite Men’s race will begin at 5:18 am, followed by the Elite Women’s race at 5:20 am and the Half Marathon and Police Cup at 5:30 am. The Champions with Disability and Senior Citizens’ Run is scheduled for 6:30 am, the Open 10K at 7:35 am, the Corporate Run at 9:00 am and the Great Delhi Run at 9:05 am.
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon Expo will be held from October 15 to 17. Race-day proceedings will be streamed live on Procam International’s YouTube channel from 5:00 am, with the world feed also available on the official World Athletics YouTube channel.
With record participation, extensive safety measures and a strong sustainability focus, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026 is poised to bring together runners, communities and supporters in a celebration of fitness, sporting spirit and social impact.
For further information: Visit https://vedantadelhihalfmarathon.procam.in/