Sustainability Initiatives at Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026

Running Towards a Sustainable Greener Future

At the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM), every step is an opportunity to create a positive impact. As one of the world's leading road races, we are committed to delivering an exceptional race experience while reducing our environmental footprint and creating lasting value for our communities.

Sustainability is integrated into every stage of event planning and delivery—from the way we manage waste and conserve resources to how we engage participants, support local communities, and measure our environmental performance. Working together with government agencies, sustainability partners, sponsors, volunteers, and runners, we are building an event that leaves a positive legacy for Delhi and inspires responsible action beyond race day.

Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting the event, you are part of our sustainability journey.

Circular Economy and Responsible Resource Management

We are committed to reducing waste, conserving resources, and keeping materials in use for as long as possible through responsible event planning and circular economy practices.

Our initiatives include:

• Zero Waste to Landfill approach across event venues.
• Segregation of waste into recyclable, compostable, and residual streams.
• Clearly marked waste collection and segregation stations across the Expo, Start/Finish Area, and race route.
• Collaboration with NDMC, Hasiru Dala Innovations, Chintan, and other sustainability partners for waste collection, recycling, composting, and responsible processing.
• Composting of organic waste and recycling of plastic, paper, cardboard, and metals through authorised recycling partners. 
• Fully digital registration, participant communication, waivers, race guides, route maps, and event updates to minimise paper consumption.
• Elimination of unnecessary packaging, including plastic bib covers.
• Event kits are designed using reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.
• Sustainable procurement practices that prioritise environmentally responsible products and local sourcing wherever feasible.
• Upcycling of event branding, signage, and materials to support community initiatives.
• Documentation and measurement of all waste streams, with annual benchmarking to drive continuous improvement.
• Implemented a reusable accreditation system for Procam staff, whereby accreditation cards are issued once and remain valid across all events throughout the year.

Water Stewardship

Water is a valuable resource, and its responsible management is integrated into every stage of event planning and operations.

Our approach includes:

• Water refill stations to encourage the use of reusable bottles and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
• Efficient hydration station planning to minimise water wastage.
• Reuse of surplus potable water left unused in the bottle, where feasible, for irrigation of nearby green spaces.
• Responsible water procurement, sanitation, and sewage management in collaboration with venue operators, municipal authorities, and event partners.
• Monitoring and documentation of water procurement, consumption, wastage, and sewage volumes to support continual improvement.

Climate Action and Sustainable Mobility

We are committed to understanding, reducing, and managing the event's carbon footprint while promoting low-carbon transport options.

Key initiatives include:

• Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions across travel, electricity, logistics, waste management, and event operations.
• Identification of opportunities to reduce emissions in future editions.
• Optional participant carbon offset contributions during registration.
• Deployment of electric vehicles and e-autos for event operations wherever feasible.
• Promotion of public transport, cycling, carpooling, and shared mobility.
• Partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to encourage metro travel to and from the event.
• Bicycle parking facilities at the venue.

Biodiversity Conservation

Protecting and enhancing urban biodiversity is an important part of our commitment to sustainable event delivery.

Our initiatives include:

• Pre- and post-event biodiversity assessments around the event venue.
• Documentation of local flora and fauna to understand ecological sensitivities.
• Measures to minimise disturbance to surrounding habitats and green spaces.
• Using biodiversity assessment findings to inform future planning and environmental awareness.

Community Engagement and Social Inclusion

VDHM strives to create value beyond race day by supporting local communities, promoting inclusion, and encouraging active participation.

Our initiatives include:

• Shoe Collection Drive at the VDHM Expo for redistribution to underserved communities.
• Recovery and redistribution of surplus edible food through partner organisations.
• Repurposing and donation of usable event materials for community initiatives.
• Partnerships with NGOs, community organisations, and social enterprises.
• Supporting local suppliers, service providers, and artisans wherever feasible.
• Dedicated race categories for Champions with Disabilities and senior citizens.
• Accessibility measures across key event venues.

Transparency, Measurement and Continuous Improvement

Measuring our performance helps us to improve the sustainability of every edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.

We monitor and evaluate key sustainability indicators across the event, including:

• Waste generation, recycling, composting, and diversion.
• Water procurement, consumption, and sewage management.
• Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint.
• Sustainable mobility initiatives.
• Community engagement programmes and resource recovery initiatives.

Performance is reviewed after each event, with key sustainability outcomes published through the VDHM Sustainability Report, helping us benchmark progress, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen our sustainability performance year after year.

How You Can Make a Difference

Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and every participant can help make the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon more sustainable.

You can help by:

• Using the Delhi Metro, carpooling, cycling, or shared transport.
• Carrying a reusable water bottle and using refill stations.
• Segregating waste using the designated collection stations.
• Donating your gently used running shoes at the Expo.
• Choosing digital race information instead of printed materials.
• Supporting the voluntary carbon offset programme during registration.

Run Green. Run Responsible. Run for Tomorrow.

Progress in 2025

• Waste Diverted from Landfill - 100% 
• Water Conserved - 475 litres of waste water was collected and used to water the plants in Jawaharlal Nehru stadium the water quantity was less as 250ml bottles were used
• Shoes Donated - 175 shoes collected and given to the needy. 
 

RUNNER ETIQUETTES

Great runs are built on good habits.   
Master the basics on race day,   
and let your every stride lead the way.

Before Your Run

• Time Management: All runners must strictly adhere to the timings mentioned in the Event Handbooks (available on the event website). Failure to comply with these timelines will result in the runner being restricted from participating in the event. 
• Ensure you reach the venue at 60 minutes prior to your race start time. 
• Line up only in the allocated Start Wave section. Please remain patient as your race timing will start only when you cross the start line. 
• Your running bib must be clearly visible at all times. Wear your bib clearly on the front of your running vest. Any bib exchange, duplication, or misuse is liable for participation disqualification. 
• Follow Instructions: Comply with announcements and directions from race officials, marshals, and volunteers at all times.

On-Course Conduct

• Only confirmed runners are allowed on course – you must NOT run with any individuals, including under-age individuals, who are not confirmed to participate in your race category.  
• Keep to your left, especially if you are running at a slow space. 
• Give a heads-up before overtaking a runner in front of you – don’t pass by if there isn’t enough room.  
• Respect personal space: Avoid crowding others at all times – keep a respectful distance throughout the race. Importantly, avoid unnecessary contact. 
• Don’t block the course – avoid running in wide groups. 
• Exercise caution at bottlenecks and on uneven road surfaces along the course. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert to avoid collisions or accidents. 
• Further avoid sudden direction changes without checking behind you. 
• Route Facilities etiquette: Move to the side towards route facilities stations; don’t abruptly stop or block way of others. 
• Use only designated restrooms. Queue respectfully. 
• Stay on the designated course and refrain from taking shortcuts; such runners will be disqualified from the event.  
• Use headphones responsibly – keep volume low enough to hear instructions and emergencies.

Post Your Finish

• Keep moving after you finish. Don’t stop suddenly at the finish line, as it is medically not advised.  
• After finishing, continue moving forward. Do not stop at the finish line for photographs or to wait for others, as it impacts the finish experience of fellow runners.  
• Collect medals, water, refreshments and your bag (where applicable) as directed – we understand you are tired but a little patience will help the process.

Respect & Sportsmanship

• Encourage fellow runners – a word of support goes a long way. 
• Encourage & Appreciate – Cheer fellow runners, and acknowledge the contribution of volunteers and medical teams. 
• Respect Others: Maintain courtesy toward fellow runners, volunteers, officials, and spectators. Unsportsmanlike behavior, abusive language, or aggressive conduct will not be tolerated. 
• Be inclusive and patient – everyone is running their own race. 
• Respect the Host City: Treat local communities, cultural sites, and the environment with care and consideration. 
• Dignity and Respect: Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated. Respect Everyone. Include Everyone. Celebrate Everyone.

Health & Safety

• As a runner you have a responsibility to take care of your health, fitness and nutrition to support your running performance and overall well-being. 
• Train Responsibly: Trust you have followed a consistent training plan that includes a mix of running workouts, strength training, and yoga. 
• Proper Nutrition: Eat a balanced dinner that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 
• Medical Advisory: Go through the medical advisory on the event website well before you come on race day. 
       • You are strongly advised to consult your personal physician before participating in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon – only a doctor who is familiar with your unique medical history, current health status, medications, and pre-existing risk factors, can provide guidance on your suitability for training and participation.  
       • Do not skip your morning medications, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. 
• Listen to Your Body: If you feel unwell, seek medical assistance immediately. 
• Medical Support: Cooperate fully with medics, marshals, and emergency personnel.   
Preparation: Warm up adequately and remain adequately hydrated during your training and throughout the race – do not over-hydrate nor under-hydrate. 
• Help others – when you see a fellow runner in distress or for any other emergency, reach out to your nearest volunteer and immediately call the event helpline +91 8527276694. Clearly state.. 
       • bib number of person in distress, 
       • location of incident and 
       • state of the person in distress (to the best of your knowledge).

Sustainability Commitment

• Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. 
• Hydration: Carry a personal reusable bottle/hydration pack where possible and use refill stations. 
• Choose Green Transport: Travel sustainably, use public transport, carpool, cycle, or walk. 
• Dispose trash responsibly – in bins kept near every facility station on route and within the grounds. 
• Be A Green Champion: Lead by example and encourage others to embrace sustainable practices.

Remember, running is not just about speed — it’s about respect, responsibility, and community. Together, let’s make Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon a celebration of sport, sustainability, and solidarity.