The scenic city of Udaipur played host to the inaugural Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, a race that saw a thrilling competition unfold amidst the picturesque backdrop of Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravalli ranges. Athletes from all over the country and beyond gathered to participate in this prestigious event, making it a memorable day for both participants and spectators.
Rohit Bansiwal Secures Victory in the Men’s Half Marathon
Rohit Bansiwal from Tonk, Rajasthan, emerged as the champion of the men’s half marathon. He put on an impressive performance, finishing the 21-kilometer race with a time of one hour, 11 minutes, and 22 seconds. Rohit outpaced Kenyan runner Victor Kurgat by a remarkable two-minute margin, securing his victory with grit and determination.
The challenging course took runners through some of Udaipur’s iconic landmarks, including Maharana Pratap Smarak, Neemuch Mata Mandir hill, and several lush green gardens. Despite the uphill terrain and twists of the route, Rohit maintained his lead and clinched the gold, making his mark as one of India’s top distance runners.
Women’s Half Marathon Winner: Madina Paul from Delhi
Delhi’s Madina Paul dominated the women’s half marathon category, clocking a time of one hour, 33 minutes, and 32 seconds. She comfortably beat her closest competitor, Sonal Sukhwal, by a staggering 12 minutes. Madina’s performance highlighted her endurance and speed, as she navigated through the demanding course with confidence and poise.
Sonal Sukhwal, the runner-up, completed the race in one hour, 45 minutes, and 16 seconds. Khushi Pahwa finished third with a time of one hour, 52 minutes, and three seconds, rounding off the top three spots in the women’s category.
Winners of the 10-Kilometer Race
The Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon also featured a 10-kilometer race for both men and women. Ajit Kumar took the top spot in the men’s 10-kilometer race, finishing in 32 minutes and 40 seconds. He was followed by Ganpat Singh, who completed the race in 32 minutes and 59 seconds, and Durgendra, who secured third place with a time of 33 minutes and 7 seconds.
In the women’s 10-kilometer category, Khushboo showcased her prowess by crossing the finish line in 40 minutes and 39 seconds. Sapna Kumari came in second with a time of 41 minutes and 19 seconds, while Sunita Gurjar finished third, clocking 45 minutes and 2 seconds.
A Message of Hope: #RunForZeroHunger
The Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon was more than just a race—it carried a powerful message of hope and community welfare. The event was held under the banner of #RunForZeroHunger, a campaign aimed at eradicating rural malnutrition. By hosting this marathon, Vedanta sought to raise awareness and contribute to the fight against hunger and malnutrition, particularly in underprivileged rural areas.
Arun Misra, the CEO of Hindustan Zinc, emphasized the significance of the event in promoting health and well-being, while also supporting a noble cause. “I am absolutely thrilled that this event has firmly put Zinc City Udaipur on the international marathon map,” Misra said after completing the half marathon himself.
Udaipur: A New Destination for Marathon Enthusiasts
The success of the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has established Udaipur as a new destination for marathon enthusiasts. With its unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, Udaipur provided an inspiring environment for the runners. The challenging route, which included both uphill and flat sections, tested the endurance and stamina of the participants.
The event’s focus on promoting fitness, community engagement, and social responsibility resonated well with both local and international runners. Participants not only enjoyed the thrill of the race but also appreciated the opportunity to run for a cause that aims to bring about positive change in society.
Building a Legacy of Health and Fitness
The Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon is poised to become an annual event, attracting more participants in the coming years. By combining sport with social initiatives, the organizers have set a precedent for future events that can create a lasting impact.
This inaugural event has shown that marathons can be more than just competitions. They can be platforms for social change, bringing people together to support important causes. With its successful launch, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has the potential to become one of the most anticipated races on the Indian marathon calendar.
Event Results at a Glance
Half Marathon Results:
- Men’s Half Marathon:
- 1st Place: Rohit Bansiwal – 1:11:22
- 2nd Place: Victor Kurgat – 1:13:21
- 3rd Place: Gopal Bairwa – 1:13:22
- Women’s Half Marathon:
- 1st Place: Madina Paul – 1:33:32
- 2nd Place: Sonal Sukhwal – 1:45:16
- 3rd Place: Khushi Pahwa – 1:52:03
10-Kilometer Race Results:
- Men’s 10 km:
- 1st Place: Ajit Kumar – 32:40
- 2nd Place: Ganpat Singh – 32:59
- 3rd Place: Durgendra – 33:07
- Women’s 10 km:
- 1st Place: Khushboo – 40:39
- 2nd Place: Sapna Kumari – 41:19
- 3rd Place: Sunita Gurjar – 45:02
What’s Next for Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon?
With the overwhelming success of this inaugural event, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon is set to grow even bigger in the future. The organizers plan to include more categories and distances, inviting more runners from across the globe. This growth will not only enhance the competitive spirit but also further strengthen the marathon’s role in promoting social causes.
By continuing to support campaigns like #RunForZeroHunger, Vedanta aims to make a meaningful difference in the community. The marathon has already proven to be more than just a sporting event—it’s a movement for change. As more participants join the cause, the impact will only grow, contributing to the welfare and development of rural communities.
The Future of Marathons in India
The Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon is a testament to India’s growing interest in distance running and fitness events. With more marathons being organized across the country, there’s a surge in the number of participants and spectators alike. This trend is encouraging more people to take up running as a means of staying healthy and active.
Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and now Udaipur are becoming popular destinations for marathon enthusiasts. These events are fostering a culture of fitness and well-being, while also providing platforms to raise awareness about various social issues.
Final Thoughts
The Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has successfully put Udaipur on the map as a premier destination for marathon events. The race showcased the city’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, while also promoting a meaningful cause.
With Rohit Bansiwal’s inspiring victory and the strong performances from all participants, the event has set a high standard for future races. As Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon continues to grow, it promises to bring together athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and social activists for a shared purpose—to promote health, fitness, and social change.
The event was not just about crossing the finish line—it was about running for a greater cause and making a positive impact on society. With its successful debut, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon is set to become a fixture in India’s marathon scene, inspiring many more runners to join the movement in the years to come.
