New Delhi, Oct. 18 -- New Delhi came alive before sunrise on Sunday as thousands of runners took to the streets for the Delhi Half Marathon (DHM) 2026. The 5:18 am flag-off of the elite men's race set the stage for the 21st edition of the World Athletics Gold Label race, promoted by Procam International, as the event entered its third decade.

With over 41,000 runners - including over 10,000 women - participating, the morning carried an energy that reflected the race's place in the capital's sporting calendar over the past 21 years.

Kenya's Charles Matata set the tone, winning the men's race in 58:52 to break the course record by just one second. Running at a pace of 2:47 per km, the 29-year-old finished ahead of compatriots Samwel Nyama...