Bengaluru: Commencing the official countdown to the world’s premier TCS World 10K, promoters Procam International on Wednesday announced triple Olympic Gold Medalist Stephanie Rice as the International event ambassador for the celebratory tenth edition of the run scheduled for the 21st of May 2017. The 2017 edition will see in action over 23,000 participants across the six race categories on race day, including more than 13,000 runners in the Open 10K, a 12% increase in registered runners from the previous edition.
The USD 205,059 prize money event, includes an individual Rs.2,50,000 prize for both the Indian male and female winner in the World 10K, and a USD 26,000 individual prize money for the fastest man and woman amongst the international athletes. The prize fund will also provide for prize money of Rs. 15,000 per individual for the male and female winners in the Open 10K, in twelve different age categories.
With an eye on the prize, the course will see the TCS World 10K Double defending champion & Yangzhou Half Marathon Winner, Ethiopian, Mosinet Geremew, the 10K & 15K World Record holder, Kenya’s, Leonard Komon amongst the men. While the elite women brigade is lead by 2017 World Cross Country Champion, Kenyan Irene Cheptai, Gladys Chesir the fastest women in 10K, clocking 30:41 at the Berlin 10K and Ethiopia’s Wude Yimer.
Celebrating the landmark 10th year milestone in Bengaluru, the event has added a number of elements to the running experience including a unique in-stadia television experience, interspersed with music and live activities including engaging with golden star Puneeth Rajkumar, face of the event and Stephanie Rice the event ambassador. The revised race schedule commences with the Open 10K at 5:30 am, followed by the popular Majja Run to be flagged off at 6:45 am to allow for amateur participants to complete their runs before the summer heat sets in and to bring the participants back to the to the stadium to witness, over breakfast, the finale clash between the track & field athletes and road race specialists which will be flagged-off at 8:50 am.
Kicking off the countdown to the run, Puneeth Rajkumar, the face of the event for the run was excited to encourage Bengaluru to run yet again, “With each passing year, the TCS World 10K has been instrumental in developing and positioning Bangalore as an active running hub in the country and a city that is committed to its own fitness and health. The enthusiasm with which the people take on this challenge is a testament to the spirit of the city. This year we complete a decade in the city and I am confident that it would be one of the most memorable race day."
Adding to Puneeth’s thoughts, Dilip Jayaram, CEO Procam International shared, “We are excited to commence the countdown to the tenth year of the TCS World 10K and we are humbled by the support this beautiful city has extended to us through the last decade. Over the years, the most respected brands have partnered TCS W10K for the transformational role it plays in bringing individuals, organizations, and institutions together and this year we are proud to add a name synonymous to bottled drinking water in India, Bisleri, as the event's Hydration partner. We are also pleased to announce this year’s international event ambassador Stephanie Rice, a triple Olympic Gold medalist who won all 3 in world record time. We are confident Stephanie will inspire with her experience and her prolific career.”
Stephanie Rice, International Event Ambassador
Considered one of Australia’s Golden Girls, Stephanie knew she wanted to be an Olympic swimmer when she was 4 years old. To this day, the retired athlete hasn’t stopped dreaming big and working hard to make her dreams a reality. The talented swimmer first caught Australia’s attention in 2006, when at 17 years of age, she won gold in the 200 and 400 Individual Medley at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. She then went on to win multiple medals at international levels, before her unforgettable three Gold Medals, in the 200 Metre Individual Medley, the 400 Metre Individual Medley and in the 4*200 Metre Freestyle Relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics swimming an incredible three races in world record breaking times.
Stephanie went on to challenge herself on a different level, participating in Channel Nine’s Celebrity Apprentice Australia in 2013, becoming the youngest winner of the contest, worldwide.
Bisleri comes on board to shoulder the responsibility of hydrating the sport
As the hydration partner across all Procam races, Bisleri will be responsible for all water requirements of the runners and athletes participating in the TCS World 10K. Bisleri will set up 6 water stations across the 10km course to ensure that all the runners and athletes are well hydrated. In addition making water available at regular intervals, Bisleri will also have a cooling corridor on the course that will allow runners cool down and recharge themselves for the rest of their race.
Commenting on the association Parag Bengali, Director, Bisleri International Private Ltd. said “With consumers increasingly realising the importance of an active lifestyle, Bisleri through the association with the TCS World 10K would like to stress the importance of water in leading a healthy lifestyle. Having a number of health benefits, water is the best drink that you can give to your body. It’s important that we understand the right amount of water required by our body and follow a steady routine to achieve a fit mind and body. ”
Nestlé presents Mirchi Get Active Expo
The Koramangla Indoor Stadium has been announced as the venue for the Mirchi Get Fit Expo between the 17th and 20th of May (both days inclusive) and will be the one-stop destination for all registered participants. Registered runners are encouraged to visit the expo to collect their running bibs, participate in exclusive runners meet, and avail exciting offers by leading sports brands.
Police Cup
The Bengaluru Police has been an integral pillar of this event since its inception. To applaud their effort and with a view to furthering awareness for Health and Fitness, the Police Cup was introduced last year within the Open 10K Run. In only its second year, the category has gained immense popularity and this year there are 57 teams participating. The teams will fight for the prestigious title and a prize money of INR 60,000 for the winner and INR 30,000 for the runner-up.
Procam International continues their commitment to sustainable Waste Management
An initiative that started in the 2015 edition of the race under the guidance of Bangalore based environmental activist, and member of the Solid Waste Management Round Table, Mr. N S Ramakanth, Procam International strives to make the TCS World 10K, a 100% environment-friendly event. As with last year, measures will be taken to use as many recyclable and re-usable products; waste-manage the waste generated during the Event in the most efficient and eco-friendly manner. Shouldering this responsibility would be Hasirudala an NGO that represents and elevates the conditions in which waste pickers perform their jobs and assist them with political representation and provision of income and educational opportunity.
