Kumar, Raut top among Indians

The 21-year-old Sandeep, a ticket examiner with the Indian Railways, timed 30:02 to finish just ahead of compatriot Kashinath Aswale, who clocked 30:08.

The lure of big prize money proved irresistible for Kashinath, who competed in the Asian Grand Prix series that concluded in Hong Kong on Saturday before taking the flight to Bangalore. Arriving here at 2.00 in the morning, he travelled straight to the stadium to prepare for the race.

The effort was worth it in the end, as he took home Rs 40,000 for the second-place finish, besides a share from the Nation’s Challenge earnings.

Kavita Raut was the best among Indian women, timing 34:32 to finish 14th overall.

Preeja Sreedharan (34:40) was overall 15th and Preethi L Rao (35:21) 17th.

“This was my first 10K race and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Kavita. “I had heard so much about this race, so it was nice to do well here, along with my friends Preeja and Preethi.”

Karnataka won the Nation’s challenge, with the team of Santosh Kumar, Ajay and Preethi turning in an aggregate time of 1:35:58. Maharashtra were second and Gujarat, featuring Aswale, third.

10K Results

Elite men (10K): Deriba Merga (Ethiopia) 28:13, 1; Mark Kiptoo (Kenya) 28:15, 2; Bernard Kipyego (Kenya) 28:24, 3.

Elite women (10k): Aslefech Mergia (Ethiopia) 32:08, 1; Mary Keitany (Kenya) 32:09, 2; Aberu Kebede (Ethiopia) 32:11, 3.

Nation’s challenge: Karnataka (Santosh, Ajay, Preethi L Rao) 1:35:58, 1; Maharashtra (ID Akki, Tilak BC, Kavita R) 1:36:10, 2; Gujarat (Sandeep K, Kashinath, Jaisha OP) 1:37:45, 3.

Top Indians: Men: Sandeep Kumar 30:02 (overall 16th), 1; Kashinath Aswale 30:08 (overall 17th), 2; Santosh Kumar 30:13, (overall 20th) 3.

Women: Kavita Raut 34:40 (overall 14th), 1; Preeja S 34:40 (overall 15th), 2; Preethi L Rao 35:21 (overall 16th), 3.