‘Appreciation I received motivated me to keep running’: Meet the 55-year-old cop who won the Delhi Half Marathon

Head constable Subhash Singh (Express Photo)

Speaking to The Indian Express, Singh said, “Except the Covid period when it was paused, I have participated in every marathon organised in Delhi and other cities since 2015.”

Singh participated in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon for the first time in 2015, finishing first in the Delhi Police Cup category. “I was posted in the New Delhi district at the time. The appreciation I received from my seniors after that victory motivated me to keep running for the force,” Singh said.

“My dream is to participate in the Procam Slam run in the future. I have already registered for upcoming races in Kolkata and Mumbai, and I hope to make my force proud,” Singh added.

Having retired from the Indian Army from the post of Havildar, Singh joined the Delhi Police as a constable in 2007. He was promoted to head constable three years ago. He lives with his wife and two sons in a rented accommodation in Delhi’s Rohini.

In 2024, Singh secured the first prize in the Tata Mumbai Marathon in the 50+ age category, completing the 21-km race.

“Our whole family has always believed in staying fit. My younger son plays basketball alongside his studies,” he added.

Over 40,000 runners participated in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Among them were 600 Delhi Police personnel, ranging from constables to DCPs. The marathon featured three race categories: 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km.

Carl Lewis (64), a former track and field athlete from the United States, was the International Event Ambassador for this year’s race.