The 18th edition of the World 10K Bengaluru is set to take place on Sunday, April 26, attracting some of the world's best long-distance runners.
This World Athletics Gold Label Race offers a total prize of USD 210,000, including USD 26,000 for the men’s and women’s winners, alongside substantial bonuses for new course records.
Ugandan Harbert Kibet leads the men’s category. At 20 years old, Kibet was a finalist at the World Junior Athletics Championships two years ago and began his 10K career this year with a commanding win in Castellon, Spain, clocking a world-leading 26:39, the sixth-fastest time ever recorded in the event. Kibet is one of five athletes entered with sub-27-minute times this year, and an overall 11 runners hold personal bests quicker than the Bengaluru course record of 27:38.
“It is my first time in India, and in the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, I want the most out of it as I am in tremendous form,” Kibet stated.
He will face strong competition from Ethiopian Khairi Bejiga (26:51), and platinum-level runners Rodrigue Kwizera of Burundi and fellow Ethiopian Gemechu Dida. Kwizera secured silver in Bengaluru two years ago, while Dida recently finished second in the RAK half-marathon in early 2026. Tadese Worku, another Ethiopian with a sub-27-minute time and a silver medallist in Bengaluru 2022, is also among the contenders. The field includes two-time world 5000m champion Muktar Edris.
In the women’s race, defending champion Sarah Chelangat aims to secure consecutive titles, a feat previously achieved only by Agnes Tirop in 2018 and 2019. Chelangat won in 2025 with a time of 31:07. She said, “TCS World 10K Bengaluru is close to my heart, and I would like to triumph another time in this beautiful city.” Kenyan athletes are strongly represented, having claimed 10 of the 15 women’s titles so far.
Leading the women’s entries is Brenda Jepchirchir, who posted a 29:25 winning time in Valencia in 2026. The 2024 Bengaluru champion Lilian Rengeruk Kasait is also competing and poses a significant challenge. Kenya's world steeplechase record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech, who won the Gold Label Port Gentil 10K in Gabon three years ago, is among the contenders. Cintia Chepngeno, silver medallist in both Bengaluru and Shanghai 10K last year, will also compete, enhancing the competitive depth of the women’s race.