Bangalore: “There is a strong possibility of one of the course records being lowered on Sunday, May 19 at TCS World 10K Bangalore,” said Jurrie Van der Velden of Global Sports Communication (GSC) while introducing the first lot of elite athletes to the media at the Kanteerava Stadium on Thursday. Some of the athletes capable of achieving this feat were among the athletes at the meet & greet session.
Leading the women’s field and coming to Bangalore on the back of strong performances is Emily Chebet, the double and current World Cross Country champion, who last year ran the 4th fastest time of the year of 30.58 at the 2012 Tilburg Ladies 10K. Chebet is expected to make a strong attack on the course record of 31.58 that stands in the name of Yimer Wude.
“This is my first visit to India and I am still getting used to the weather, but since I specialize in the 10,000 metres event I am certain I will do well here. I have had a good year so far and the gold medal at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz in March this year has done my confidence a world of good and I hope to do well on Sunday,” said Emily.
The other front runner among the ladies field is defending champion Helah Kiprop, who hopes to become the first woman to have won the TCS World 10K title twice in a row. Helah has a personal best of 31.44 and is also coming here in good form, having won the 2013 Berlin Half Marathon.
“It feels great to be back in India again. I had a good run last year and I hope to better my time and win this year again. I have been coaching with my husband; his methods and techniques have improved my performance and provided a strong sense of motivation which will hold me in great stead through the season,” said Helah.
Among the men, Kenyan Daniel Salel is among the front runners, keen to make a mark on his comeback to India, his last visit fetching him a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. “It’s a very strong field, but I am prepared to run a fast race,” said Salel, not ruling out the possibility of a new course record.
Britisher Scott Overall, who has fifth place finish at the Berlin Marathon to his name, will be looking to make an impression among the African strong names and said, “This is my first run after the Berlin event. I am feeling fit and am looking forward to enjoying the 10K. Going by my current form I am hoping to get close to my personal best in the run on Sunday.”
