Cheptegei seeks winning return, Chepngeno targets podium finish at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

Multiple global champion Joshua Cheptegei is ready to conquer the upcoming TCS World 10K Bengaluru on Sunday, April 27. Uganda’s double Olympic and World Champion was runner-up in this race on his only previous appearance in Bengaluru back in 2014.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Joshua expressed his excitement about being back in India to compete. The 28-year-old said, ‘Back in 2014, I won silver, and it was my first international race. I went on to win many international titles. India will always be the place that launched me.’

Looking ahead to the World Athletics Gold Label Race, which offers a total prize purse of USD 210,000, Joshua added, ‘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.’

On the possibility of breaking a record, he said, ‘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.’

Gabriel Gerald Geay, who finished seventh in the World Championship Marathon three years ago, was another notable participant. At 28, the Tanzanian runner shares similar experience with Joshua and has his eyes on a big finish.

‘Though I have been in road races before, my big titles are all in marathons,’ Geay said. “It’s been a dream of mine to race in Bengaluru and if the pace is quick on Sunday, I think it is possible for me to go for a record.’

Shedding light on his preparations, he added, ‘I don’t change too much in my approach between marathons and 10K. I have trained almost the same way and only made a few changes.’

Kenyan runner Cintia Chepngeno’s family name bears an uncanny resemblance to Cheptegei’s, and she is one of eight women who have clocked personal bests faster than the World 10K course record of 30:35, held by her compatriot Irene Cheptai since 2022.

Nicholas Kimeli, also from Kenya, holds the course record for men at 27:38.

Chepngeno finished ninth in last year’s race here, while her teammate and reigning African 10,000m champion Gladys Kwamboka Mong’are placed fifth.

The Kenyan runners are aiming to finish among the top three this year.

Speaking at the media interaction, Cintia said, ‘I am keen on a good race with my colleagues on Sunday and my aim is to make the podium as it is a strong lineup.’

Eritrean athlete Rahel Daniel, who finished fifth in the 10,000m at the 2022 World Championships with a time of 30:12.15, will be Chepngeno’s primary challenger this time.

With many Kenyan women on the start list, the course remains open to surprises.

Stephen Kissa (Uganda), who finished third in 2017, along with Vincent Langat (Kenya) and Awet Nftalem Kibrab (Norway), are among the top names expected to challenge Joshua for the men’s title.

The top finishers at the TCS World 10K will share a total prize purse of USD 210,000, along with significant bonuses for course record performances in both men’s and women’s races.