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New Delhi Marathon 2026: Key Asian Games Qualifier with 30,000 Runners

The Athletics Federation of India treasurer Stanley Jones emphasizes the New Delhi Marathon's significance as a crucial qualifying event for the Asian Games. Race director Nagaraj Adiga highlights Delhi's flat route and favorable February weather as ideal conditions for peak runner performance. The 11th edition, scheduled for February 22, 2026, is expected to draw over 30,000 participants, making it one of India's largest sporting events. The marathon will be flagged off from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by notable sports figures.

Key Points: New Delhi Marathon 2026: Asian Games Qualifier Event Details

  • Key Asian Games qualifying event
  • Over 30,000 participants expected
  • Features a fast, flat course in Delhi
  • Ideal February weather conditions for runners
2 min read

"New Delhi Marathon has significant importance, a qualifying event for the Asian Games": AFI treasurer Stanley Jones

The 2026 New Delhi Marathon is a major Asian Games qualifier. AFI's Stanley Jones and director Nagaraj Adiga discuss its significance and ideal flat course.

"This marathon has a significant importance as it is a qualifying event for the Asian Games - Stanley Jones"

New Delhi, February 20

Athletics Federation of India treasurer Stanley Jones feels the New Delhi Marathon is a significant event for athletes because it's a key Asian Games qualifier, so athletes need to perform well.

Jones also believes that while competitors need races to prep for big events, they must pick the right ones, balance rest and recovery to stay at their best.

The 11th edition of the New Delhi Marathon is scheduled for 22 February 2026. The marathon also serves as a qualifying race for the upcoming Asian Games, offering athletes a pathway to international excellence.

"This marathon has a significant importance as it is a qualifying event for the Asian Games, so we are seeing that the athletes perform better and qualify. Every athlete needs events to prepare for big tournaments, but they need to choose the right event take rest and recovery so that they can perform better," Jones told ANI.

The New Delhi marathon is set to be one of the largest sporting events in the country, with over 30,000 participants expected to take part.

The New Delhi Marathon race director Nagaraj Adiga says this marathon stands out because Delhi has a fast course and perfect February weather, giving runners ideal conditions to perform at their best.

"There are a lot of marathons, but Delhi's weather, Delhi's route is flat, so the runners are in ideal condition, the weather is good in February, and Delhi's course is a flat course," Nagaraj Adiga told ANI.

The race will be flagged off from the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by Olympic medallist Vijender Singhand Olympian Rohan Bopanna, guiding runners through the heart of New Delhi's historic and vibrant streets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Stanley Jones makes a very good point about athletes choosing the right events and managing rest. Our sports culture often pushes for non-stop action, but strategic planning is key for peak performance. Hope the AFI provides proper guidance to athletes on this.
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Aman W
30,000 participants! That's massive. It's great to see running culture growing so much in India. Events like this inspire so many people to take up fitness. Just hoping the traffic management and arrangements for such a huge crowd are handled well by the authorities.
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Sarah B
Flagged off by Vijender Singh and Rohan Bopanna – what a great way to inspire the runners! Having Olympians involved adds so much prestige. This could really put Delhi on the global marathon map if organized well. Looking forward to 2026!
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Karthik V
While the idea is excellent, I hope the focus remains on creating a world-class event for the athletes and not just a large participation number. The course needs to be accurately measured and certified, and timing must be flawless for it to be a legitimate qualifier.
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Nisha Z
A flat course in Delhi in February? Sounds like a dream for marathoners trying to hit qualification times. This could be a game-changer for Indian long-distance running. Hope our athletes grab this opportunity and make the nation proud at the Asian Games.

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