No changes in 10K route

The organisers of the TCS World 10K announced the route map for this Sunday’s mega event, choosing to go with the tried and tested formula that has seen runners clock some quick times.

“The route is almost the same as last year with just a few minor changes,” said race director Hugh Jones, who has been conducting the race since its inception six years ago, at a press conference here at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday.
“These changes had to be incorporated because of the metro construction. We will be doing another recce tonight to see if any minor changes are needed.”

Explaining the reason behind sticking with the same route, Jones said the important aspect of conducting a run is to pass on the benefits to the participants. “The very essence of conducting a race is to offer as much benefits to the runners and minimise the inconvenience for other road users. The course has changed quite a bit over the years. In the very first edition we hit the Ulsoor Lake before looping around Dickenson Road.

“The metro construction has forced us the to change the course and we will be using an outback section of the MG Road which is not ideal because the width of the course is limited there. Even this year it looks like the same as last year but there are minor changes. The basic principles of course design are to satisfy the local traffic authorities and offer the runners a good running experience. This means we need to create flat and fast course and this is one such course.”

Jones said a great contest would please him more than a course record. “The course record is 27.51 minutes and this year we have runners who have run faster than that. Whether they break the record is not that important for me but what would please me immensely is if the elite runners have a great showdown in the final 400 metres,” added Jones.