Much like T20 cricket and the recent Formula One Grand Prix, marathons are becoming a star-studded affair. Running for a cause seems to be the coolest index for your fitness as well as 'awareness' quotient. No wonder then that a bevy of celebrities turned out in the Capital on Sunday to be a part of the Delhi half marathon.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the sultry Bipasha Basu, model-turned-actor Gul Panag, actors Rahul Bose and Rajeev Khandelwal, all were spotted at the marathon, which was kicked off on Sunday morning. Around 30, 000 Delhiites ran in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.

The race was flagged off by Shah Rukh and Bipasha. One a megastar and the other the ultimate symbol of fitness, the race at once hogged all the limelight through SRK and Bips. The event ambassador and a fitness freak, Bips had some advice for the participants. "Be careful and stay hydrated," she said. The race's glamour quotient didn't end at the big stars. Even constant supporters Panag and Bose ran along with Delhi. "I am a lazy person but this time my husband has motivated me to put in a good effort," Panag said.

It was not much of a surprise to spot Bose, Panag and Rajeev Khandelwal at the race as all of them are faces representing a new emerging India. Not only do these stars border on the intellectual, they are also celebrities who choose to be associated with a cause rather than just mindless entertainment.

Another endorsement came from a regular at sporting events, Sidhartha Mallya, who also took part in the shorter version of the race. Considering he recently landed in hospital after having a spiked drink at a nightclub, it was nice to see the Mallya lad back, displaying his 'responsible' side.

ADAG chairman Anil Ambani, a serious long distance runner and regular participant in the half marathon category of the Mumbai Marathon, also ran in the race on Sunday. The many bands that performed at the venue kept the momentum going for an event that's fast gaining popularity.