Sarah Chelangat and Harbert Kibet will both represent Uganda in the 18th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru. The event is scheduled to take place this Sunday and is recognized as a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race.
Sarah Chelangat Looks to Defend Her Title
Defending champion Sarah Chelangat, 24, enters the race fully fit this year. Last year, she won despite dealing with a back injury, clocking a time of 31 minutes and 7 seconds. Her goal is to improve upon that time and retain her title. Chelangat, a double gold medalist from the 2018 Youth Olympics, is also a finalist in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics in the 10,000m.
Main Competitors
- Brenda Jepchirchir (Kenya): A two-time 10K winner earlier this year, Brenda’s personal best stands at 29:25.
- Fantaye Belayneh (Ethiopia): Focused on the half-marathon recently, her 10K best is 30 minutes.
Jepchirchir expressed confidence in her training, stating that she is pleased with her shape coming into the race. Belayneh hopes for favorable weather conditions to achieve a faster time.
Harbert Kibet Chases Victory in Men’s Race
Harbert Kibet has a strong background, with daily commutes that built his endurance. He clocked a remarkable 26:39 earlier this year at a 10K in Castellon, making him a key contender for the men’s title in Bengaluru. Kibet has previously represented Uganda at both the 2024 World U20 Championships and the World Championships in Tokyo.
Challengers in the Men’s Field
- Rodrigue Kwizera (Burundi): At 26, Kwizera is noted for his national records in various distances, including a half-marathon time of 58:16.
- Gemechu Dida (Ethiopia): Another strong contender, Dida has a personal best of 26:54 and is looking to make a comeback after three years.
Kwizera aims for the course record, while Dida is concerned about the heat but optimistic about the race’s early start.
Celebrity Participation
In addition to elite athletes, notable figures will also compete. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is among the celebrities expected to run on Sunday.
Both Chelangat and Kibet represent the strength of Ugandan athletics and will aim for a successful showing in Bengaluru, alongside a host of talented international competitors.
