More than faces of the race: Ambassadors who truly ran the talk

At most events, ambassadors are seen.

At the Times Internet Half Marathon, they were felt.

They were not merely promoting the run from the sidelines or sharing countless posts - they were out on the course, matching strides for strides with participants, turning representation into action - and that’s what truly defines the event.

Where influence met endurance

Among the standout performances, Jalaj Arora took on the toughest race - the 21K - showing remarkable stamina and dedication even when the course became challenging. Deepak Gupta also delivered a strong run, maintaining a steady pace and demonstrating consistent control throughout.

In the 10K category, the performances remained equally impressive. Jitendra Advani stood out with his speed and balance, while Ramneek Singh Kochar made a notable impact with his steady performance and commitment on the course.

One of the biggest highlights came from Deepak Maurya, whose run was swift, focused, and highly impactful, setting a strong benchmark among the ambassadors.

Not just runners, but enablers

What set these ambassadors apart was not limited to their performance on race day, but the influence they had built in the lead-up to the event.

Through consistent engagement, conversations, and outreach, they encouraged participation at every level. First-time runners found motivation, hesitant individuals gained confidence, and a broader sense of community began to take shape even before the starting line was drawn.

Their contribution extended beyond numbers - they brought intent, energy, and belief into the marathon ecosystem.

Redefining representation

At its core, the ambassador program was not about visibility alone - it was about credibility. By running the same course, enduring the same physical demands, and pushing through identical challenges, these ambassadors established a deeper connection with participants. Their presence reinforced trust, making their encouragement more authentic and impactful.

When those inspiring participants were also actively part of the journey - striving, enduring, and finishing alongside others - the marathon evolved into more than just an event.

It became a shared experience and at the Times Internet Half Marathon, the ambassadors ensured it was a story worth remembering.