Kwizera Sets Event Record, Florence Triumphs in Maiden Run at TCS World 10K
The 18th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, a World Athletics Gold Label Race, witnessed two new international champions on Sunday.
Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera, who narrowly missed victory in 2023, returned with determination to clinch the men’s elite title.
The 26-year-old surged ahead at the 8 km mark and never looked back, finishing in a record-breaking 27:31, seven seconds faster than the previous event best.
Kenya’s Nicholas Kibet followed in 27:39, while Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich secured third in 27:43. Kwizera’s win also earned him USD 34,000, including an event record bonus.
‘The heat was a challenge, but I told myself to push after 5K and again in the final stretch. I wanted the record, and I’m glad I achieved it,’ Kwizera said.
In the women’s race, Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru stunned the field in her maiden 10K appearance. Training in Kenya, the 25-year-old led consistently and crossed the line in 30:45.
Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir (30:59) and Ethiopia’s Chaltu Dida Diriba (31:03) completed the podium.
‘The conditions were tough, but I focused on the competition. I missed the event record, but maybe next year I can come back for it,’ Niyonkuru reflected.
