The unique confluence of track and road running is set to unravel again at the TCS World 10K here on Sunday, which will see a total of nearly 25,000 runners make their way through the centre of the city. The event, which has steadily grown in popularity, will begin at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium track.
Defending champion Alex Olotiptip of Kenya will start as the favourite among the elite men, but his countryman and reigning world half-marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor (formerly Kipsang) could provide stiff competition.
The Kenyans lead the way in the women's field as well, with 2014 Prague Half Marathon winner Joyce Chepkirui, 2009 World Championship 10,000m winner Linet Masai and 2011 Delhi Half Marathon champion Lucy Kabuu all in contention for the top prize.
The Indian athletes may not be part of the fight to emerge as champion but they will look at the event as a platform to help achieve bigger things.
The winner in each category, not including course record jackpots and performance bonuses, will get $21,000, while the top Indian finishers will take home Rs. 2 lakh.
