Oct 11, 2024 . Read 5 min
VDHM 2024: Racing to Nourish India
Team Vedanta
Sports has long been a force for good, with the ability to positively impact the well-being of both individuals and entire communities. Embodying the powerful connection between fitness and social impact, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024 (VDHM24) is set to return to the capital for its 19th edition on October 20, 2024. VDHM24 extends across various event categories, including the flagship Half Marathon, Open 10K Run, Great Delhi Run, Senior Citizens’ Run and Champions with Disability Run.
Not surprisingly, VDHM24 has been getting bigger and better with each passing year. In fact, the 2023 edition saw record participation, 50% higher than in 2022, with over 35,000 runners participating. This year, with even more international participation, that number is expected to rise further.
As runners lace up for VDHM24, they’ll be chasing that exhilarating “runner’s high.” But did you know that acts of kindness and giving can also trigger the release of endorphins, creating a “helper’s high?” This uplifting sensation boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness, and helps combat feelings of depression—proving that both fitness and ‘doing good’ have the power to uplift us from within. Vedanta through its cause of #RunForZeroHunger is allowing participants and runners a chance to ensure both. For every kilometer run, leading to VDHM and on the race day, Vedanta will provide a meal to nourish a child and feed an animal.
The Impact of #RunForZeroHunger
In its last two editions, #RunForZeroHunger has evolved into a mass movement that has already provided 7 million meals to children in need of better nourishment through Project Nand Ghar, the flagship project of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the social impact arm of Vedanta. Vedanta has pledged 10 million meals in this year’s edition, and, in a powerful expansion of the initiative, the programme will now also provide food to animals under the care of The Animal Care Organisation (TACO), another flagship project of AAF. Vedanta strongly believes that all beings deserve a better future and with this extension through 'Meals For All', the initiative will harness the collective strength of people toward a nourished India.
What to expect at the VDHM24
A major highlight of the marathon is its designation as a World Athletics Gold Label Race, with a prize pool of USD 260,000, which draws elite athletes from around the globe. But with races ranging from 21km to 2.5km, the marathon encourages participation from everyone, from seasoned athletes to first-time runners.
August 2024 saw the official launch of Vedanta’s jersey for the marathon by actor and fitness advocate, Milind Soman. A fitness app, Step Set Go,’ designed to track the kilometres covered by Vedanta employees, was also unveiled.
With over 35,000 participants from Vedanta, including leadership, CXOs, employees and business partners, nearly 5 million kilometers have been clocked already by its 19 Business Units through walkathons, mini-marathons and virtual runs, in support of #RunForZeroHunger.
Unique Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon Finisher Medal
This Finisher Medal honors and celebrates every participant's hard work and zeal for running. The Finisher’s medal is made from the highest-grade Zinc that comes from Zawar Mines of Udaipur — the world’s largest and oldest mines in the heritage state of Rajasthan. The Zinc is produced by India’s leading Zinc producer - Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company.
The VedantaDHM24 isn’t just about reaching the finish line, it’s the opportunity to be part of something bigger and contribute to a healthier and more compassionate world. The good news is, in today’s digital world, you can still join the movement and show your support to this good cause virtually. If you haven’t registered for VDHM24, run from your city, alone, with friends or with family, take a screenshot of your accomplishment on your fitness app and share it with pride on social media using #RunForZeroHunger to inspire others and help make a difference.
Every kilometre adds up, so make every step count to raise 10 million meals for a nourished India.
Stay tuned to https://vedantalimited.com/runforzerohunger2024/ for more information.
