Delhi Half Marathon 2020: Avinash Sable sets a new National Record

The 3000m steeplechaser and the Olympics bound Avinash Sable ran his personal best and set a new national record during the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) on Sunday.

In what was an excellent display of running, the 26 year old became the first ever Indian to run a half marathon under sixty one minutes, completing the run with a timing of 1:00:30. Such was Avinash’s display that he finished the marathon way ahead of his Indian counterparts - Srinu Bugatha and D.B. Budha who were the second and third best Indians with timing of 1:04:16 and 1:04:19 respectively.

An army man from the Beed district of Maharashtra, Avinash last participated in a competitive race in October 2019, wherein he qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. This half marathon, as he had said earlier, was just a part of his preparations for the upcoming Olympics where he will be plying his trade at the 3000m steeplechase.

A-WIN-ash Sable has shattered all records. 🙌🏻

New half marathon national record and a new course record for the 26-year-old. 🏆

Look's like Sable's had a great Sunday at #ADHM2020. 🤩#ADHMMovesMe pic.twitter.com/BqpUoBcl6m

— ADHM (@runadhm) November 29, 2020

Though he set a new national record and was the best Indian at the ADHM by miles, Avinash finished tenth overall.

It was a heartbreak for defending champion Andamlak Belihu of Ethiopia as he was denied a three-peat at the ADHM by his countryman Amedework Walelegn who defeated him to be crowned the champion. While Walelegn clocked 00:58:53, Belihu finished just a second later at 00:58:54. Stephen Kissa of Uganda rounded off the top three with a timing of 00:58.56.

Also read: Mohinder Singh Gill – Olympian and Asian Games champion who retired at 29