The cream of country’s marathon runners will be seen in action at the third edition of the Vodafone Delhi Half Harathon on Sunday. The Indian challenge will be led by defending champions Ram Singh Yadav and Pampa Chanda in the men and women’s sections respectively. Both have confirmed their participation. Going by the current form, Yadav has enjoyed a fairly good season with a win in the Mumbai Marathon (Indian section) and followed it up with a title in the half marathon in Hyderabad. Recently, he also finished a creditable fourth in the World Army Half Marathon in Singapore. His performances so far do indicate that he is the man to beat. Yadav did sound optimistic when he said his preparation was right on track to defend the title.However, Yadav could face a strong challenge from Deep Chand Saharan, winner of the World Army Half Marathon. Seasoned marathoner Bhairov Singh Lone has also confirmed his entry and he could make life somewhat difficult for both. When it comes to distance running, Lone is a hard nut to crack as his recent performance—he came second in the Kolkata Marathon —proves. He is one person who could make everybody else’s plans topsy-turvy on his day.Besides Yadav, Saharan and Lone, there are over 40 top athletes from across the country who have already confirmed their participation, indicating an exciting weekend.As for the field in the women’s section, it promises to be a keenly-contested one. At least top 16 runners, including Leelamma Alphonso from Mumbai and Reena Das from Kolkata will be among the biggies lining-up at the startline of the race that offers a solid prize money $160,000.However, all eyes will be on upcoming runner Kavita Raut, who represented the country in the Asian cross-country event recently. Tough Raut is known for her exploits on track races over the distance of 10,000m, it is yet to be seen how she shapes up with the more experienced rivals on the road, particularly over the distance of 21km. The race will begin and end at the Central Secretariat grounds.
