Bengaluru: With a mouthwatering line-up set to battle for supremacy in the ninth edition of the TCS World 10K, Bengaluru is all set to witness potentially high-caliber elite races on Sunday.
With the likes of Mosinet Geremew, Patrick Makau and Cyprian Kotut in the men’s contest and Gladys Chesir, Helah Kiprop and Peres Jepchirchir among the women’s, it will be treat for the locals.
Speaking ahead of the raceday, defending champion Geremew revealed that the race will be a tough one with the mighty Kenyans in the fold. “I am very happy to come back. Preparation has been the same as last year. It’s very hard to win here because the Kenyans are very strong. I did it last time and I am hoping for a repeat," said the Ethiopian.
He is also hoping for some rain, just as it did last year. "The start of the race is from a track. It’s a bit hard because of many people running close. But the course is nice. I am hoping for some rain because I like it," remarked.
Meanwhile Jepchirchir, who is hoping for the 10,000M trials for Rio, minced no words, stating that she is here to win the elite women’s race. When asked who was among the favourites, she replied: “God knows. But I came here to win. It’s my first attempt here.
“It’s a hot place and I have never run in hot conditions before but I don’t think it will be very difficult.” Rawat takes limelight Among the Indian contingent, which features 25 women and 40 men, all eyes will be on Rio-bound marathon runner Nitendra Singh Rawat with defending champion Suresh Kumar, Yunus MD and G Lakshmanan all among the contenders.
“My training is more specific for marathon. I just thought I'd 10K as a preparation. I enjoy running on road a lot more than on track,” said Rawat. In the women’s section, Sanjeevani Jadhav, Suriya L and Jayshre Borage are expected to ask the biggest questions especially with big names Swati Gadhave and Manisha Salunkhe arriving on the eve of the event after competing elsewhere.
“I train for the track event and this is the first time I am competing in road race so I’m looking forward to it,” revealed Sanjeevani adding that she is expecting Swati to make her presence felt in the race.
