Times Internet half marathon: Women who stood strong in the 21K

In the quiet stillness of early morning at India Gate, the city held its breath before the surge. At precisely 5.30 am, the 21K race of the Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 flagged off, releasing a field of 2,639 runners onto one of the capital’s most evocative stretches.

The opening kilometres were steady and controlled. Runners settled into their pace, saving energy for the later stages. As Delhi slowly woke up, its wide roads and historic surroundings set the stage for a race that would soon become a true test of endurance.

Because a half-marathon never reveals itself at the start.

The 21K course cut through the ceremonial heart of the capital, along wide, tree-lined boulevards linking key centres of governance. Long, open stretches tested pacing, while gentle turns demanded control - making it a route that challenged not just endurance, but composure at every step.

Arpita Saini: Composure at the front

Arpita Saini claimed the top position with a chip time of 01:25:01, delivering a race built on control and clarity.

At 30, her journey into running began only a few years ago, sparked by a simple yet powerful image - young aspirants in her village preparing for army recruitment. What began as curiosity soon turned into commitment. Initial hesitation at home gradually gave way to belief, as her persistence reshaped perceptions.

On race day, there was no excess, no haste. She settled early, held her rhythm through the middle stages, and when the race demanded resilience, she responded with authority. In the final stretch, she did not chase the race - she commanded it.

Ruksaana: Precision through discipline

Finishing second with a chip time of 01:27:38, Ruksaana’s performance was a study in structure and steadiness.

A national-level distance runner and a Khelo India Games medallist, she continues to balance the rigours of competitive sport with academics as a second-year college student. Training under the watchful guidance of her father, a PT teacher, her foundation is rooted in discipline.

Her preparation reflects this methodical approach. On race day, it translated seamlessly - controlled early kilometres, a steady build-up, and an unwavering hold through the demanding final phases. There was no visible struggle, only quiet execution.

Bhumi Negi: Strength in progression

Bhumi Negi secured third place with a chip time of 01:34:33, completing the podium with a performance that underscored patience and progression.

Having begun her running journey at a young age, she has steadily transitioned from shorter distances to longer formats, earning recognition at both national and international levels. Her growth has been incremental, but assured.

Her race mirrored that evolution. Conservative at the start, calculated through the middle, and resilient when the race tightened its grip. As fatigue set in across the field, she found another gear - one driven not by urgency, but by experience.

Where the race is won

After the 17th kilometre, the race became really tough. Runners started to feel tired, and every step needed more effort. This is where true strength shows - not in how fast you run, but in your ability to keep going.

Arpita Saini, Ruksaana, and Bhumi Negi did more than navigate these final kilometres.

They defined them.

In a field of thousands, on a course that tested both body and mind, these women did not merely finish the 21K - they elevated it, setting a benchmark not just for performance, but for what it means to endure, adapt, and ultimately, prevail.