Every year in the month of October, Delhi wakes up to a morning that reminds the world how powerful kindness can be. Amidst the crisp autumn air, in the early hours of dawn, Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium starts bustling with enthusiastic runners from across the world and corporate organisations that come together to run at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon- World Athletics Gold Label Road Race recognised by the AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). The racetrack is set for the test of speed and endurance, while the air echoes with purpose, inclusivity and positive transformation.
The Psychology of Running for a Cause
As much as it is true that marathons are a reminder of how important fitness is to keep our body and mind healthy– marathons like the Vedanta Delhi Marathon, are also a testament to prove that –people run more when motivated by a purpose.
According to experts, it has been observed that the benefits of participating in marathons for a purpose– go well beyond the race itself. They state that physical activity naturally enhances mood and helps lower stress, depression and anxiety; however, these effects are amplified when people run together, creating a sense of belonging and community.
As social beings, humans thrive on shared positive experiences, which stimulate the release of oxytocin—a hormone that reduces stress and deepens social connection. Research further indicates thatvolunteering contributes to higher life satisfaction, while also easing stress and symptoms of depression.
Furthermore, it has been observed that when runners come for marathons for a cause, their endurance limits become more than physical stamina, when linked with empathy. Every kilometer run is no longer just about pushing limits, but about carrying a purpose beyond the finish line. Knowing that each step contributes to a greater cause makes the effort feel lighter, as empathy transforms fatigue into motivation, turning a personal challenge into collective impact.
Corporate Participation: Impact Beyond Race Day
As key social stakeholders, corporates are invited to step onto the track at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 for two powerful reasons: first, to demonstrate that their commitment to an inclusive society goes far beyond mandated Corporate Social Responsibility laws; and second, to embrace a unique employee engagement experience that nurtures wellness, strengthens camaraderie, and unites teams around a greater purpose.
Research consistently shows that initiatives like VDHM not only inspire employees, but also cultivate deeper satisfaction, pride, and loyalty — turning every stride into both personal fulfillment and collective impact.
VDHM as a Festival of Inclusion
Over the years, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has evolved into more than a race– it is a powerful symbol of equal participation. With its doors open for all, especially participants who are differently abled, children, youth and corporate runners, this marathon brings everyone together forging unity through miles and meaning.
Last year at its 19th edition, 78 NGOs and 70 fundraisers raised over Rs 3.28 crores for 12 causes. Collectively, till date the event has raised over Rs 84 crores since its inception.
Corporate participation has become a backbone of this inclusive narrative. At VDHM’ 24, 12 corporates and their teams donned running shoes, not just to compete but to contribute. Leading organisations like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in partnership with Smile Foundation, led the marathon alongside dozens of NGOs and individual fundraisers reinforcing the marathon’s embrace of diversity and purpose.
Carrying forward its legacy with renewed spirit, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 is set to ensure that inclusivity is more than just a number — it is a lived ethos. By welcoming a versatile range of groups such as corporates, international athletes and differently abled participants as champions of change, VDHM’25 seeks to embody diversity in motion, transforming every stride into a powerful statement. Beyond raising funds, it raises awareness, nurtures empathy, and forges lasting partnerships — proving that when we run together, we move society forward.
Why Should Corporates Run with Smile Foundation?
For corporates, running at the VDHM 2025 with Smile Foundation is an opportunity to dive into the depth of goodness of health and spread the power of education, for over 2 lakh children from the underserved communities.
The Run with Smile initiative is an opportunity for brands to amplify their commitment towards making their CSR goals a movement for positive change. This year, Smile Foundation is participating in the 20th Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon with the call – “When you run, they learn”.
With education at the heart of Run with Smile, the organisation is determined to ensure that every stride fuels classrooms, creates opportunities and empower young learners across India.
When corporates support education initiatives such as Smile Foundation’s Mission Education through platforms like VDHM– they do more than just funding classrooms. They help bridge the urban-rural divide in access to learning, enable children to pursue higher studies and empower families to move beyond cycles of poverty.
There is no doubt that today as a nation, India has made remarkable strides in education, with children from rural communities enrolling in schools in ever greater numbers. Yet, sustaining this momentum and ensuring that grassroots education is truly inclusive—and aligned with global standards, requires more than policy alone. It calls for corporates to join the movement, not as a one-time intervention, but as a long-term investment of vision, effort, and purpose — fuelling empowerment, skill-building and ultimately, nation-building.
When Corporates Run with Smile, Rural Classrooms Rise with-
- Infrastructure Development
By supporting school development in rural areas, children can have safe and well-equipped spaces to learn.
- Digital Access and Smart Classrooms
Bridge the digital divide by enabling smart classrooms, e-learning and devices preparing children for a competitive future.
- Scholarship programmes
Through Smile Foundation’s scholarship programmes for girls, young girls can continue their education without the fear of dropping out due to financial constraints.
- Teacher Training and Capacity Building
To equip students with 21st-century skills, it is vital to train teachers in modern pedagogy ensuring stronger learning outcomes.
Partner Now – From Race Day to Real Change
For Smile Foundation, Run with Smile at VDHM is not just about sponsorship, it is about leadership in action. Each year, when corporates run for a purpose, they channel collective energy into something larger than themselves, transforming endurance and empathy into equitable classrooms, brighter opportunities and empowered futures.
This spirit finds its stage once again at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025, which offers companies a unique chance to turn intent into impact. As employees come together on race day, they not only celebrate fitness and teamwork but also witness their organisation standing for rural education in India, making the cause feel deeply personal and inspiring.
The impact, however, extends far beyond the racetrack. Such shared commitment uplifts children from underserved communities, while also strengthening the fabric of the workplace. It nurtures loyalty, deepens retention and enhances employer branding, making participation a powerful and purposeful employee engagement.
That is why on 12th October, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, we invite corporates to stride alongside us for education, for equality, for empowerment. With every step you take, Smile Foundation can go further, strengthening rural communities and shaping a generation ready to lead the nation into the future.
When you run, they learn.
Join us at VDHM 2025. Run with Smile. Run for inclusion. Run for change
Frequently Asked Questions about Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon
- Where is the Delhi Marathon 2025?
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon will be held on 12 October 2025, with the start and finish at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
- How do I participate in Vedanta Half Marathon?
Corporates interested in participating for Run with Smile at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon’ 25 can participate by contacting – Salony Pandya- +91 99991 80854 or Parul Sharma – +91 92667 40073 or can write us to on email- cp@smilefoundationindia.org
- What is the distance of the Delhi Half Marathon?
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon run covers 21 km. The marathon also includes Open 10K, Great Delhi Run (~7 km), Senior Citizens’ Run (~4.3 km), and Champions with Disability race.
