TCS World 10K only the summer heat can slow down the runners

A sea of runners, hardened professional and enthusiastic amateurs, will take over the central areas of Bengaluru in the early Sunday hours.

From the flag off on Cubbon Road, the 36,000-odd participants will traverse through the neighbourhood with varied goals.

For the elite men and women, the total prize pool of $2,10,000 is of great incentive.

The Indian men’s winner will take home ₹3,00,000, while the Indian women’s winner will receive ₹2,75,000. A bonus of ₹1,00,000 is on offer for anyone who breaks the event records.

A world-class field, and a smooth route with very few tricky U-turns, puts the course record under threat. It is only the summer heat that could slow down the runners.

Abhishek Pal, who clocked 29:12 last year to set the Indian men’s event record, will look to build on that performance.

“This race is a great way to assess where I stand at the start of the season. It tells you about your speed, endurance and overall condition, and helps shape the rest of the year. I’m hoping to build on that rhythm and deliver another strong performance,” Abhishek said.

A fair few recognisable faces — including Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lok Sabha members Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Tejasvi Surya — will lace up their running shoes to join the amateurs.

If there is any need for a few encouraging words, look for two-time Olympic medallist and International Event Ambassador Blanka Vlasic on the sidelines.