As the city gears up for the ninth edition of the TCS World 10k this Sunday, a re-configured route was unveiledon Wednesday, with the possibility of faster times being set. Over 23,000 runners are expected to hit the streets this year.
The completion of Namma Metro’s East-West corridor and the opening up of the entire length of Cubbon Road have facilitated simplification of the route, but one which has more variations in terrain as compared to previous years.
Race Director Hugh Jones said, “The metro construction in the last few years meant that the route was less than friendly, with all the dust and obstructions. But this time, I am amazed at the quality of the roads, except at a couple of places. Removal of the blocked part of Cubbon Road, which we used to have in the first two to three years, has helped.”
Terrain trouble
Mr. Jones added, “With respect to the terrain, the Kasturba Road stretch is at an incline. On M.G. Road, we are down from four u-turns to two. The road is a bit up and down. The entire stretch of Cubbon Road is again upward with the final stretch inside the park being smooth and downhill. The last two kilometres in the Elite race and a bit more in the Open race look set to be the launch pads for a fast finish.”
However, Jones, who has been the director since the event’s inception in 2008, pointed out that the city has never been as hot as it is now. He feels that the spells of rain last week and adequate tree cover along the route should make the situation better for the runners.
“It’s nice to have a bit of rain. But not too much like how it was last time,” he said. “While on M.G. Road, you will have the shadow of the metro throughout, Cubbon Road has good tree cover.”
Adequate guides
The Karnataka Athletics Association will deploy more than 100 technical staff to guide participants.
The aim is to avoid a repeat of last year’s incident wherein participants of the DHL Corporate Champions run were diverted to a wrong route.
The medical partner, Fortis Hospitals, will deploy 175 personnel, 15 mobile doctors, two base camps with 40 beds at the finish and three stations.
