Cognizant New Delhi Marathon Sees Record Participation and Stellar Performances
New Delhi witnessed a grand display of endurance and athleticism as the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon drew over 30,000 participants. The event, held on a crisp morning, served as a key qualifying race for the upcoming Asian Games, adding significant stakes to the competition.
Men's Elite Category: Karkera Dominates with Asian Games Qualification
In the men's elite full marathon, Mumbai's Kartik Karkera delivered an outstanding performance, crossing the finish line in 2:13:10. This time comfortably surpassed the Asian Games qualifying standard of 2:15:04, securing his spot in the prestigious international event. Karkera, a 28-year-old doctor, showcased remarkable resilience in a tightly contested race, narrowly outpacing rivals Gopi Thonakal (2:13:12) and Man Singh (2:13:15).
Karkera attributed his success to rigorous training and discipline. Under the guidance of coach Virender Singh in Nashik, he emphasized the importance of consistency and patience in his preparation. "You have to stay patient. It's about consistency," Karkera remarked, noting that his background in sports science has enhanced his training management. His victory builds on a previous win at the Mumbai Marathon, with Asian Games qualification serving as a major motivational driver.
Women's Race: Nirmaben Leads but Falls Short of Qualifying Mark
The women's full marathon saw Thakor Nirmaben take the top position with a time of 2:41:15, followed by Bhagirathi (2:43:28) and Ashwini Jadhav (2:56:59). Coached by Virender Singh, Nirmaben highlighted the advantages of Delhi's flatter course compared to her training terrain in Nashik. "The route here suited my style better," she explained. However, none of the female runners achieved the Asian Games cutoff time, leaving the qualification mark unmet in this category.
Half-Marathon Highlights
In the half-marathon events, Kuldip Kumar secured the men's title with a time of 1:08:51, while Genet Shikur Reshid won the women's race in 1:19:36. These performances added to the day's excitement, showcasing depth in India's running community.
The Cognizant New Delhi Marathon not only promoted fitness and sportsmanship but also provided a critical platform for athletes aiming for international glory. With its massive turnout and competitive spirit, the event underscored the growing popularity of marathon running in India.
