Bengaluru: Inspiring the Garden City to get on its feet yet again, Procam International announced the start of its registration for the ninth edition of the prestigious World 10K in the city, sixth under the TCS banner. Themed as "Refresh, Reload and Run", the TCS World 10K this year also boasts of a fresh new logo, and will be customarily flagged off from the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday, May 15, 2016.
With the runs spread across 5 categories, headlined by the Elite World 10K for Men and Women that attract the World's best track & field and road runners, the Open 10K for the committed amateurs, the 5.7km Majja Run for the enthusiasts, the 4km Senior Citizens Run for participants above the age of 65 and the Champions with Disability run, registration open on the 15th of March 2016. Registrations for the Open 10K close on 7th April 2016, or subject to the availability of running slots, whichever is earlier, while registrations for the other three categories close on 22nd April 2016.
Participants residing in India will have to pay a registration fee of INR 1,250 for the Open 10K; INR 800 for the Majja Run and INR 300 for the Senior Citizens Run and Champions with Disability Run. For Overseas Applicants, registration fees for the Open 10K will be capped at USD 45; USD 25 for the Majja Run and USD 10 for Senior Citizens Run and Champions with Disability Run.
As a boost for amateur runners, confirmed applicants in the Open 10K Run category will be eligible for 'Priority Line-Up' on race day, based on the finish times recorded in their timing certificates submitted along with application forms. For confirmed applicants who have improved their performance post registrations, a request for a change in the line-up section can be made till 7th April 2016 on submission of a valid timing certificate.
With an aim to encourage women participation, the run has also provided a special quota and limited running places in the open 10K for women applicants without timing certificates.
Reaffirming their commitment to fitness and the city of Bengaluru, Mr, Nagraj Ijari, Vice-President and Global Head of Hi-Tech Vertical, Tata Consultancy Service, said, " This season we have seen an increased effort from our TCS employees towards maintaining a high level of fitness, encouraged by our Fit4Life initiative.
Over 4000 people across TCS Campuses in the city have already indicated their strong interest in participating in the TCS World 10K this year, with a majority of them excited to run the whole 10 KM!" Honoring the growing popularity and stature of the event, the Mr. Ijari also launched the revamped logo to bring it at par with the other global events that are sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services. He added, 'With this logo the run is on par with our other global runs such as the TCS New York City Marathon and the TCS Amsterdam Marathon. The new grid retains the vibrant colours from the previous logo with the addition of the trademark blue from the Tata palette along with cleaner lines and a more contemporary representation of the Vidhan Soudha as the key visual mnemonic."
Superstar Puneeth Rajkumar - the face of the event, extended an open invitation to Bengaluru, to come and join the growing running movement yet again. A devoted runner himself, he also emphasized on the positive impact the run has had on the various charities and the causes it supports. Encouraging the city to come together on their, the actor said, "The TCS world 10k has now become synonymous with namma Bengaluru. Over the years, I have had the privilege to lead my city and get them running. TCS World 10K gets the entire city together and provides a concrete platform to the various charitable organizations in the city to raise funds. Come on Bengaluru let's put our running shoes on!"
Marking the ninth year of the run, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, said "This year we have pressed the 'refresh' button on the run and launched a fresh look, signified by our new re-loaded logo." Continuing on, Mr. Singh was quick to share his appreciation for the warm welcome Bengaluru city always presents the run. "Bengaluru has been an exceptional host to the TCS World 10K over the last nine years and for that we are always grateful. Without the continued support of all the city and state authorities, our sponsors and partners and, the people of Bengaluru, we would have been unable to celebrate our ninth year!"
What's in store this year?
Increased Prize Money: Prize money in theninth edition of the event has see an overall increase this year, with prize money totalling to a massive USD 1,97,768. An additional incentive for the elite runners breaking the course record has two attractive prize categories - New Course Record Bonus: USD 2,000 for Men & Women & Rs. 50,000 for the Indian Winnerand a Course Record Jackpot (if you break the previous course record): USD 2,000 for Men & Women and Rs. 50,000 for the Indian winner.
New Partner: After the successful partnership with the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon and the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, Maruti S-Cross joined hands at the TCS World 10K as the 'Driven By' partner. The zippy car is all set to complement the feet that hit the ground running on race day, 15th May 2016.
Mr. Sanjeev Handa, Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd said, "The S-Cross is ready to lead the way at TCS World 10K in Bengaluru. We are proud to be the Driven By partner of an event that stands for inspiring success. We are prepared to achieve new milestones for S-Cross and the event. The S-Cross takes its #RunAbovetheOrdinary philosophy of motivation forward, with the aim of inspiring runners to do better, run harder and achieve more. By establishing this association successfully, we hope to continue encouraging the world to live and perform Above the Ordinary."
The charity drive associated with the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, spearheaded by India Cares, the Philanthropy Partner of the event, is also poised for a quantum leap this year. TCS World 10K is highest fund-raising platform in South India. Since inception, the event has raised 20.29 crores supporting more than 300 NGOs benefitting various causes. Continuing with the improved structure for charitable contributions from last year, the city of Bengaluru will showcase its giving side yet again.
