The 17th edition of the TCS World 10K run, with nearly 35,000 enthusiastic participants, is set to liven up an idyllic Sunday morning here.
The streets of central Bengaluru will wear a festive look bright and early, as the event commences at 5.30 a.m. with the elite World 10K Women. The World 10K Men will be flagged off from Cubbon Road at 6.08 a.m., followed immediately by the Open 10K.
The early start for elite runners is bound to quicken the pace, given that the sun will not be out in full force.
The route, meanwhile, has undergone some changes to accommodate faster timings. “The course is in good shape, and we have taken feedback from last year to navigate a less intimidating route. The inclined stretch on Kamaraj Road that was at the final stretch of the route is now at the middle of race, making it more accessible and friendly to all participants,” race director Hugh Jones said.
Reigning Olympic 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei will lead the field in the World 10K Men category.
Gabriel Gerald Geay, who finished seventh in the World Championship Marathon three years ago, will challenge Cheptegei. Uganda’s Stephen Kissa, who finished third here in 2017, is another notable contender.
Nicholas Kimeli holds the course record for men at 27:38s.
Kenyan runner Cintia Chepngeno is one of eight women who have clocked personal bests faster than the course record of 30:35s, held by her compatriot Irene Cheptai since 2022.
Eritrean athlete Rahel Daniel, who finished fifth in 10,000m in the 2022 World Championships, will be Chepngeno’s primary challenger.
The Indian elite men’s field will be spearheaded by Sawan Barwal, who recently set a 10,000m meet record at the Federation Cup. Sanjivani Jadhav, 2017 Asian Championships 5,000m bronze medallist, starts as favourite among Indian elite women.
The World Athletics Gold Label Race offers a total prize purse of $210,000.
Published - April 26, 2025 07:00 pm IST
