World's Best Set to Shine at the 18th TCS World 10K Bengaluru
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Some of the world’s finest distance runners are set to light up the streets of Bengaluru at the 18th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, scheduled for Sunday, April 26. The World Athletics Gold Label race offers a total prize purse of USD 210,000, including USD 26,000 for the winners in both the men’s and women’s races, along with substantial bonuses for course record performances.
Leading the men’s field is Uganda’s rising star Harbert Kibet. The 20-year-old, a finalist at the World U20 Championships two years ago, made a stunning impact in his 10K debut earlier this year, winning in Castellón with a world-leading 26:39 — the sixth-fastest time in history.
Kibet is one of five athletes in the field with sub-27-minute credentials, while an impressive 11 runners have personal bests faster than the Bengaluru course record of 27:38, setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking race.
“It is my first time in India, and at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru I want to make the most of the opportunity as I am in tremendous form,” said Kibet.
The Ugandan will face strong competition from Ethiopia’s Khairi Bejiga (26:51), Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera, and fellow Ethiopian Gemechu Dida, both platinum-level performers. Kwizera finished runner-up in Bengaluru two years ago, while Dida recently secured second place at the 2026 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. Also returning is Tadese Worku, the 2022 silver medallist, along with two-time world 5000m champion Muktar Edris, adding further depth to a stacked field.
Chelangat eyes history amid strong Kenyan challenge
In the women’s race, defending champion Sarah Chelangat returns aiming to secure back-to-back titles — a feat last achieved by Agnes Tirop in 2018 and 2019. Chelangat claimed victory in 2025 in 31:07 and will look to repeat her success on familiar roads.
“The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is close to my heart, and I would love to triumph here once again,” said Chelangat.
The women’s field is expected to be fiercely competitive, with a strong Kenyan presence continuing a dominant trend — Kenyan athletes have won 10 of the 15 women’s titles contested in Bengaluru to date.
Leading the entries is Brenda Jepchirchir, the fastest woman in the world this year, who clocked 29:25 in Valencia. She will be challenged by Lilian Kasait, the 2024 Bengaluru champion, making her return, as well as world steeplechase record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech, and consistent performer Cintia Chepngeno, a double silver medallist in Bengaluru and Shanghai last year.
With a deep and high-quality elite field assembled in both races, the 2026 edition promises thrilling competition and the possibility of fast times on one of the world’s premier 10K stages.
Elite Women – TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026
- Brenda Jepchirchir (KEN, 2005) – 29:25
- Lilian Kasait (KEN, 1997) – 29:32
- Nelvin Jepkemboi (KEN, 2001) – 29:45
- Clare Ndiwa (KEN, 2003) – 29:49
- Chaltu Dida (ETH, 2006) – 29:50
- Wede Kefale (ETH, 2000) – 29:55
- Jeneth Chepngetich (KEN, 1998) – 29:55
- Fentaye Belayneh (ETH, 2000) – 30:00
- Jesca Chelangat (KEN, 1998) – 30:01
- Aynaddis Mebratu (ETH, 2004) – 30:05
- Cintia Chepngeno (KEN, 2000) – 30:08
- Sarah Chelangat (UGA, 2001) – 30:24
- Christine Njoki (KEN, 1999) – 30:31
- Veronica Loleo (KEN, 1998) – 30:53
- Beatrice Chepkoech (KEN, 1991) – 30:56
- Esther Chebet (UGA, 1997) – 31:22
- Hawi Fayisa (ETH, 1999) – 31:24
- Tekan Berhe (ETH, 2003) – 31:30
- Florence Niyonkuru (RWA, 2001) – 32:23
- Melal Siyoum (ETH, 1999) – Debut
- Tigest Tesema (ETH, 2006) – Pacer
Elite Men – TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026
- Harbert Kibet (UGA, 2005) – 26:39
- Khairi Bejiga (ETH, 2006) – 26:51
- Gemechu Dida (ETH, 1999) – 26:54
- Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI, 1999) – 26:54
- Tadese Worku (ETH, 2002) – 26:56
- Vincent Kipkorir (KEN, 2002) – 27:08
- Saymon Amanuel (ERI, 2007) – 27:10
- Victor Kipruto (KEN, 2000) – 27:10
- Telahun Haile Bekele (ETH, 1999) – 27:13
- Vincent Kimaiyo (KEN, 2004) – 27:20
- Yismaw Dillu (ETH, 2005) – 27:37
- Muktar Edris (ETH, 1994) – 27:38
- Ataklti Kidanu (ETH, 2006) – 27:41
- Jenberu Sisay (ETH, 2006) – 27:44
- Abdessamad Oukhelfen (ESP, 1998) – 27:44
- Gabriel Geay (TAN, 1996) – 27:49
- Mao Ako (TAN, 1999) – 27:55
- Dolphine Chelimo (UGA, 2005) – 28:13
- Benjamin Ratsim (TAN, 2006) – 28:22
- Eyob Simegn (ETH, 2007) – 28:29
- Gilbert Kiprotich (KEN, 2000) – Debut
- Jummanne Mnada (TAN, 1997) – Pacer
