Ethopians create magic at TCS World 10K Bengaluru marathon

On a fine Sunday, with the city soaking in the previous evening's downpour, Bengalureans flooded the streets in the thousands to take part in the world's premier 10K.

The city witnessed some of the most accomplished track and field and road runners as the TCS World 10K Bengaluru got underway for the eighth time in the city.

The event also saw an increase in overall prize money earned by the top runners across multiple categories. In 2015, an astounding total of $194,376 was distributed amongst the top 10 finishers in the elite categories, a marked improvement over last year's cumulative figure.

With more than 25,000 participants running across five categories, the run saw the likes of Rahul Bose, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Gul Panag put their best stride forward.

International category

Amongst the international category of World 10K for Elite Men, the Ethiopians dominated proceedings as Mosinet Geremew stole the show.

The story of the day was the spirit of competition, as the entirety of the race was contested in the best possible manner. This held true across all categories, but on the start line of the elite women's race, it was evident that every athlete made enough room for the other, thus ensuring everybody enjoyed a fair race.

Indian Runners

The Indian Category of World 10K for Elite Men starred two time winner Suresh Kumar, B.C. Tilak and the senior most member of the men's battalion, Kheta Ram. The build up to the race amongst the Indians was mixed, whilst on the one hand there was a quietly confident Kheta Ram, on the other was a confident and determined Suresh Kumar, who made his intention of breaking records evident through the week's press meets.

Surya L led the Indian Women's challenge at the Elite 10k, finishing first with a timing of 00:35:58, seventeen seconds ahead of defending champion Swati Gadhave who finished at 00:36:15. Monika Athare finished third clocking a time of 00:36:54. Overjoyed with her performance, Surya concluded "I love this feeling of having won this race. Though I was quite fast on the track, I will work towards finishing with a better time next year."