Corporates, individual fundraisers and 56 NGO’s collectively raised INR 4.12 Cr for 16 social causes
The event has raised INR 88.63 crore since inception, becoming a true symbol of giving back.
November 28th, 2025: As the landmark 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon drew to a close on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the city witnessed 40,500 runners stand in unison to push past limits, challenge conventions, and break barriers, one stride at a time.
This milestone 2025 edition was not just a celebration of fitness but also of collective social good and social impact. With the support of Philanthropy Partner Lakshyaa, over INR 4.12 crore was raised for various social causes by NGOs, fundraisers, corporates and runners. Over two decades, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has become one of India’s largest sporting platforms for philanthropy, raising more than INR 88.63 crore so far, reaffirming the race’s legacy of driving social change through sport.
Speaking about this year’s edition, Nikhil Pant, Founder, Lakshyaa, said, “Over the last three decades, I have had the privilege of working at the intersection of policy, purpose, and people; helping shape the evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India and building bridges between governments, corporates, and communities. At the heart of this journey lies a simple belief: real change happens when passion is channeled with intent. That belief found new meaning this year as Lakshyaa partnered as the Philanthropy Partner for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025. For us, this association symbolises the power of collective will. Much like distance running, development work demands perseverance, teamwork, and commitment to progress. Both are about pushing boundaries, testing resilience, and moving forward”.
Corporates, NGOs, individuals and runners, together, embodied what Lakshyaa stands for: turning intent into impact. Through this partnership, Lakshyaa worked to amplify the voice of the social sector — supporting NGOs in their fundraising efforts, helping corporates align their initiatives with meaningful causes, and inspiring runners to view their strides as steps toward a more inclusive and equitable future.
Strengthening the philanthropy pillar of the event were the efforts of the title sponsor, Vedanta, through its flagship social impact initiative, #RunForZeroHunger under Nand Ghar. Over the last three editions, the campaign has enabled the distribution of nearly 20 million nutritious meals to communities in need.
For the 2025 edition, Vedanta extended this impact further by distributing 5 million Poshan Packs corresponding to 5 million kilometres run. The initiative also broadened its scope of care to include animal welfare through The Animal Care Organisation (TACO), embodying Vedanta’s holistic philosophy of nurturing all forms of life under the principle of ‘One Health’.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Limited, said, “The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has become one of India’s most powerful examples of how sport can drive social change. It is inspiring to see thousands come together not just to run, but to stand behind causes that touch lives across the country. Through #RunForZeroHunger and the Poshan Packs contributed this year, we are helping ensure that children at Nand Ghars receive the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive. When a community runs with purpose, the impact reaches far beyond the finish line.”
As a cause-neutral platform, NGOs supported multiple causes – ranging from early childcare and development, education and youth success, health and well-being, financial stability, environment and sustainability, disaster response and preparedness and diversity and inclusion. While fundraising is one aspect, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon also provided the partnering NGOs with a platform to initiate dialogue on issues of shared importance.
With sustainability as the keystone, more corporate houses are now investing in social good through these charities year after year. This year, 15 corporates with 1,077 employees and 2,716 individuals, including donors, came together to champion various social causes.
Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon stands for the spirit of togetherness and giving back. The Philanthropy Awards celebrate those who transform this spirit into meaningful action. Individuals and institutions who work towards transforming the lives they touch and the change they inspire. At IDFC FIRST Bank, we believe true progress lies in enabling ‘Social Good’ alongside growth. We are deeply committed to building an inclusive society where doing good and growth go together. These changemakers remind us that every step taken with purpose has the power to move communities forward.”
To ensure transparency and accountability, each year, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon unveils a Philanthropy Docket that captures details on all the funds raised for that year. This year, the docket was unveiled in the presence of eminent partners and dignitaries.
Vivek Singh, JT. MD. Procam International said, “We firmly believe that sport is a powerful enabler of social good. It is truly humbling to witness how beautifully this platform has evolved, and how, with the support of our philanthropy partner Lakshyaa, it continues to strengthen the culture of giving and boost fundraising efforts. We take immense pride in the fact that our platform aligns with all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past 20 years, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has united citizens from all walks of life, proving that every step can make a difference and every run can inspire hope”.
VDHM 2025 WINNERS ACROSS DIFFERENT CATEGORIES
Social Impact Champions (Individuals taking on a target of Rs 10 lakh for their cause)
Deepak Sharma raised INR 25,61,356 for Udayan Care
Anil Chawla raised INR 11,78,676 for Vipla Foundation
Social Impact leader (Taking on a target of Rs 5 lakh for their cause)
Dr. Anurag Gupta raised INR 4,30,213 for MOHAN Foundation
Social Impact Uplifter (taking on a target of Rs. 2.5 lac & above for their cause).
Pallavi Kumar raised INR 2,67,501 for MOHAN Foundation
Dr. Meenakshi Nayar raised INR 2,62,001 for ETASHA Society
George Mathew raised INR 2,35,700 for Don Bosco Tech Society
Fabian Gonsalves raised INR 1,58,502 for Maitrayana Charity Foundation
Young Leaders
April Bhalla raised INR 25,000 for Don Bosco Tech Society
Sarthak Handa raised INR 14,000 for Amarpushp Educational and Welfare Society
Anusha Aarohi raised INR 4,750 for Amarpushp Educational and Welfare Society
Corporate Champions (Companies that contribute to their chosen NGOs)
Genpact supported multiple causes by donating INR 1,10,00,000 to United Way of Delhi
Hitachi India Pvt. Ltd. supported women’s mental wellbeing by donating INR 73,10,016 to United Way of Delhi
HDB Financial Services Ltd. contributed INR 24,40,000 to Cancer Patients Aid Association
Atkins Realis supported inclusive development by donating INR 20,00,000 to You in You, Action for Autism, and Give Me Trees
Blue Star contributed INR 16,50,000 to Blue Star Foundation
Top Fundraising NGOs
United Way of Delhi raised INR 1,83,11,516
Udayan Care raised INR 32,68,956
Cancer Patients Aid Association raised INR 24,78,600
ETASHA Society raised INR 19,58,723
Blue Star Foundation raised INR 16,50,000
Child Rights and You (CRY) raised INR 13,56,500
Highest Fundraising Run Clubs
Delhi Runners Group raised INR 10,16,000 for Sunaayy Foundation
Khatarnak Runners raised INR 23,600 for Maitrayana Charity Foundation
GTSJPR raised INR 19,700 for Dor Foundation and Pardada Pardadi Educational Society
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