Bengaluru, Apr 12 (UNI) Emmaculate Anyango Achol, the world's second-fastest 10K woman runner, is set to be the star attraction at the 16th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, taking place on April 28.
Kenya's Anyango is certainly one of the standout athletes expected to shine at the 16th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru. She had clocked 28:57 in the 10K race but finished behind her teammate Agnes Ngetich, who set a world record time of 28:46 in the same race.
Also, Anyango's credentials extend beyond the road, as she earned a silver medal in the 2019 African Junior Championships in the 3000m event. She also nearly missed the podium at the recent World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade.
Anyango anticipation and enthusiasm for her debut in Bengaluru at the TCS World 10K are palpable. She expressed eagerness to participate in such a renowned event, known for its global prestige and high-quality competition.
"I am very much looking forward to being there and doing my best. The field of runners in the women’s category is quite strong this year and I love a good challenge," she said.
Anyango acknowledged the significance of the running culture and events in India, recognising the country's role in fostering a vibrant running community over the past two decades.
By expressing her excitement to be a part of this legacy, Anyango underscored her appreciation for the rich tradition of running in India and the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing evolution.
Anyango also acknowledged the strong field of female runners competing in this year's event, demonstrating her competitive spirit and determination to excel on the global stage.
The presence of Anyango's fellow Kenyan athletes alongside her in the women's starting lineup at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru adds an extra layer of excitement and competitiveness to the event. With each of them boasting impressive timings faster than the event's course record, the competition promises to be fierce.
Lilian Rengeruk Kasait (29:32), Faith Chepkoech (29:50), Loice Chemnung (29:57), Cintia Chepngeno (30:08), and Grace Nawowuna (30:27) bring their unique strengths and achievements to the table, making the Kenyan team truly formidable. Their collective prowess not only raises the level of competition but also underscores Kenya's dominance in long-distance running.
The inclusion of Anyango in this elite lineup only serves to enhance the anticipation surrounding the race, drawing attention to what is sure to be an epic battle for the title. As spectators eagerly await the showdown among these top-tier athletes, it's clear that the women's race at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru will be nothing short of thrilling.
Rengeruk and Chepngeno participated in the epic race in Valencia, while Chepkoech and Chemnung clocked their bests from Castellon and Paris. Nawowuna did it in Lille. Two Ethiopians, Aberash Minsewo, this year's Tata Mumbai Marathon winner, and Lemlem Hailu, 2022 World Indoor 3000m champion, add further shine to the women's start lists.

Meanwhile, in the elite men's lineup, Kenya's Peter Mwaniki Aila (29) entered with the fastest time among the men, 26:59. He achieved this mark while finishing third earlier this year in Valencia. In that process, Peter became the nineteenth runner in the World to run the 10K distance in under 27 minutes.

His country-mate and 2019 African Junior Champion over 10,000m - Bravin Kipkogei Kiptoo - is credited with 27:02 from Madrid last year along with Bravin Kiprop, who clocked an impressive 27:16 this February at Castellon, Spain, will keep the race interesting.

Two more Kenyans, Hillary Chepkwony, last year's third-place finisher, and Patrick Mosin, the runner-up in Castellon the previous year, are expected to provide the necessary boost to return fast timings here. Two young runners, John Wele from Tanzania and Boki Diriba from Ethiopia may also pose a threat to the Kenyans.

The 2024 edition is packed with pace as five men and six women who have entered the race are credited with personal best timings recorded on 10K road running that are faster than the course record timings for TCS World 10K Bengaluru. Kenyans Nicholas Kimeli (27:38) and Irene Cheptei (30:35) have held the course record in Bengaluru since 2022.

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru will award a total prize pot of USD 210,000. The winners in the men's and women's categories will each take home USD 26,000. A course record bonus of USD 8,000 is also in the offing.
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