New Delhi [India], February 22 (ANI): Mumbai’s Kartik Karkera scorched the route all alongside the eleventh version of the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon to annex the distinguished crown right here on Sunday morning.
Completing the 42.2 kilometres because the world slept in a outstanding time of two hours and 13 minutes (02:13:10), Karkera comfortably surpassed the qualifying mark for the Asian Games in Japan later this yr, in response to a launch.
A health care provider by occupation, the 28-year-old needed to stave off a concerted bid by Gopi Thonakal (02:13:12) and Man Singh (02:13:15) to ultimately take the highest place on the rostrum.
The fierce competitors between the trio noticed them cross the end line inside a couple of breaths of one another, effectively beneath the two:15:04 required for males to grace the Asian Games in September.
The elite girls, nonetheless, couldn’t match their male counterparts’ beautiful run, falling approach in need of the two:31:52 mark. Thakor Nirmaben (02:41:15), nonetheless, shall be pleased with her efficiency, doing justice to her increased rating whereas leaving Bhagirathi (02:43:28) and Ashwini Jadhav (02:56:59) in her path.
The New Delhi Marathon, the AFI-certified National Marathon of the nation, proved to be a runaway success, with over 30,000 runners from 31 international locations, 490 cities collaborating.
Olympic medallist Vijender Singh and tennis star Rohan Bopanna flagged off key races within the morning and, later, bestowed the glittering trophies and prize cash on the winners.
‘Every yr, the New Delhi Marathon is changing into larger and higher, with the cream of India collaborating within the occasion. The presence of a number of athletes from different international locations is the crowning glory for us,’ Nagaraj Adiga, Race Director & CMD of NEB Sports, stated.
‘We lengthen our heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2026 for his or her extraordinary performances. Equally, each participant, whether or not an elite athlete, a first-time runner, or a group supporter, has helped make this occasion a real celebration of resilience, unity, and the human spirit. Together, we’re proud to have been a part of a memorable version that showcased not solely excellent athletic achievement but in addition the collective vitality and inspiration of the operating group,’ stated Rajesh Varrier, President – Global Operations and Chairman and Managing Director, Cognizant India.
In the opposite key races, Kuldip Kumar (01:08:51) and Genet Shikur Reshid (01:19:36) grabbed the bragging rights within the half-marathons. Ravi Bumbak (01:09:33) and Mohmmad Sahil Anigeri (01:09:41) took the subsequent two positions amongst males, as did Ekta Ekta (01:19:39) and Priti Lamva (01:19:59)amongst girls.
Results:
Marathon (Men): 1. Kartik Jayraj Karkera (02:13:10); 2. Gopi Thonakal (02:13:12); 3. Man Singh (02:13:15)Marathon (Women): 1. Thakor Nirmaben Bharatjee (02:41:15); 2. Bhagirathi (02:43:28); 3. Ashwini Madan Jadhav (02:56:59)Half-Marathon (Men): 1. Kuldip Kumar (01:08:51); 2. Ravi Bumbak (01:09:33); 3. Mohmmad Sahil Anigeri (01:09:41)Half-Marathon (Women): 1. Genet Shikur Reshid (01:19:36); 2. Ekta Ekta (01:19:39); 3. Priti Lamva (01:19:59)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 Neha (0:41:50); 3. Anupriti Mishra (0:41:48). (ANI)