TCS World 10K Bengaluru: Cheptegei starts clear favourite

Bengaluru: When Joshua Cheptegei accepted the invite to compete in the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, an event that’s close to his heart, the Ugandan automatically was installed as the odds-on favourite to emerge champion. And there’s a reason behind it as well.

Since making his senior international debut at this very event way back in 2014 where he finished second behind mentor Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya, the 28-year-old has gone on to become one of the dominant long distance runners in the world.

Cheptegei holds the world record in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, he is the reigning Olympic champion in 10,000m and also been undefeated over the longer version in the last three World Championships. Several have tried to break his monopoly but the soft-spoken Ugandan, who hails from a continent that is an unshakable force in distance running, simply has been a cut above the rest.

Sunday morning, on the streets of CBD area of the Garden City, Cheptegei will be looking to exert that dominance as he bids to start a new chapter in his life following an immensely successful first half. 

The conditions appear ideal for Cheptegei not just to claim the gold but even pursue the course record of 27:38, set by Kenyan Nicholas Kimeli in 2022. The Elite Men’s race will start at 6:08 am, 38 minutes after the corresponding women’s race, and the organisers have also tweaked the course following feedback from the runners the last year. The uphill stretch on Kamaraj Road that was at the final part of the route is now at the middle of race which the organisers believe could force the runners to go for faster timings.

“I think it’s going to be a very strong field, and I am expecting a fast race, but I try not to put too much pressure on myself,” said Cheptegei, whose personal best in 10K is 26:11, a minute below the course record.

“It would be great if I could leave Bengaluru with a win. I am not sure about the record though, it has become harder to get faster in 10K, the more I prepare for marathons, but it is important to focus on the win.”

Expected to give Cheptegei a tough fight are Vincent Langat of Kenya, Saymon Tesfagiorgis Amanuel of Eritrea, Gabriel Geay of Tanzania and Stephen Kissa of Uganda, who finished third in 2017. The four are a rung below the level of Cheptegei but if they switch on their afterburners, then a surprise could well be on the way.

Cintia Chepngeno is the the star attraction in the women’s Elite event. She is one of eight women who have clocked personal bests (30:08) faster than the World 10K course record of (30:35), held by her compatriot Irene Cheptai since 2022. Eritrean Rahel Daniel, who finished fifth in the 10,000m at the 2022 World Championships with a time of 30:12.15, has the wherewithals to top the podium. 

The stage is set for an exciting Sunday morning.

Highlights - Start timings  World 10K Women: 5:30 am World 10K Men: 6:08 am Open 10K: 6:10 am Champions with Disability (3 km): 8 am Senior Citizen Run (3 km): 8:05 am Majja Run (approx 4.2 km): 8:30 am