More than 31,000 people and a host of celebrities from the field of sports and entertainment thronged Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Sunday morning to participate in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.

While business tycoon Anil Ambani and Bollywood stars Rahul Bose and Gul Panag made their presence felt by participating in the race, sidelined Indian cricket team left-handed opener Gautam Gambhir, 2004 Olympic silver medallist shooter-turned-politician Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and face of the event Bipasha Basu motivated Delhiites to put on their running shoes and participate in the running fiesta.

"There has been a 25 percent increase in the number of women participants. And even for the half marathon, the people registered are a 12,000-plus. So, I think it's definitely India stepping forward as each city is getting more fitness conscious. They want to be healthy, and they want to be fit. And yes, there is a keen interest in sports, and all kinds of sports," Bipasha said.

Actors Rahul Bose and Gul Panag, who actively participate at such events, were present too.

In fact, Rahul shared on Twitter that he clocked his personal best - "2 hours 3 minutes" - at the marathon here. He even later posed with marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe.

Fit as a fiddle, Gul tweeted: "A great run today! Incredible energy on the course. So many determined runners pursuing their dream. Winners, each one of us. #WerunDelhi."

Among other dignitaries present at the event were union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, event ambassador and women's marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe and Tollywood star Jeet.

Sports secretary Ajit M. Sharan also attended the event.