Bengaluru, March 16 (NationPress) Excitement is building as some of the world’s elite runners prepare to converge on Bengaluru for the 18th iteration of the World 10K Bengaluru, slated for April 26. This prestigious event, recognized with a World Athletics Gold Label, features an impressive total prize pool of USD 210,000, allocating USD 26,000 for the champions in both the men's and women's divisions, alongside enticing bonuses for breaking course records.

Leading the men’s field will be Ugandan athlete Harbert Kibet, a 20-year-old who made waves as a finalist at the World Junior Athletics Championships two years ago. Kibet recently stormed to victory in his 10K debut in Castellon, Spain, achieving a world-leading time of 26:39, which ranks as the sixth-fastest recorded in this distance.

Among the five competitors this year with sub-27-minute times, a notable total of 11 athletes possess personal bests that exceed the Bengaluru course record of 27:38.

"This is my first trip to India, and I aim to make the most of my experience at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru as I’m in remarkable form," Kibet shared.

He will contend against formidable opponents, including Ethiopian Khairi Bejiga (26:51) as well as two platinum-tier runners: Rodrigue Kwizera from Burundi and another Ethiopian, Gemechu Dida. Kwizera earned a silver medal in Bengaluru two years ago, while Dida notably secured second place in the RAK half-marathon earlier this year. Additionally, Tadese Worku, another sub-27-minute athlete, is well-acquainted with the Bengaluru course, having finished in silver in 2022.

Also joining the fray is two-time world 5000m champion Muktar Edris. Defending champion Sarah Chelangat returns to reclaim her title. Should she succeed, it would mark a rare achievement of back-to-back victories, a feat previously accomplished by Agnes Tirop in 2018 and 2019. Chelangat topped the podium last year with a time of 31:07.

"The TCS World 10K Bengaluru holds a special place in my heart, and I aspire to win again in this beautiful city," Chelangat expressed.

The elite women's field showcases a strong Kenyan presence, with Kenyans having claimed 10 of the 15 women's titles awarded in Bengaluru thus far. Brenda Jepchirchir, the fastest woman in this year’s event with a winning time of 29:25 at the Valencia 10K, leads the entries. Lilian Rengeruk Kasait, the champion from 2024, is also returning and poses a significant challenge for the competition.

Another Kenyan, Beatrice Chepkoech, the world steeplechase record-holder who triumphed in the Gold Label Port Gentil 10K in Gabon three years ago, is set to compete. Cintia Chepngeno, who earned silver in both the Bengaluru and Shanghai 10K last year, will add further excitement to the women’s race, promising an unforgettable showdown.