Cheptegei, Chepngeno lead the field in TCS World 10K run

The 17th TCS World 10K run in Bengaluru features elite athletes competing for a $210,000 prize purse.

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.