The Kenyan trio of Emmaculate Anyango, Peter Mwaniki and Bravin Kipkogei headline the 16th edition of TCS World 10K Bengaluru on April 28.
The World Athletics Gold Label Road Race is a Sh27m prize money event featuring some of the world's most accomplished road and track athletes.
Anyango, the world's second-fastest woman over 10K, clocked 28:57 in Valencia while finishing behind compatriot Agnes Ngetich, who posted a 28:46 world record.
A silver medalist at the 2019 African Junior championships in 3000m, Anyango barely missed the podium at this year's World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
“I am very excited to be in Bengaluru for the first time for this incredible event, which has gained a worldwide reputation for being one of the best 10K races. I have heard so much about the events hosted in India and the running revolution they began nearly two decades ago," said Anyango.
"I am looking forward to being there and doing my best. The field of runners in the women’s category is quite strong this year and I love a good challenge."
She will be joined by Lilian Kasait (29:32), Faith Chepkoech (29:50), Loice Chemnung (29:57), Cintia Chepngeno (30:08) and Grace Nawowuna (30:27).
Two Ethiopians, Aberash Minsewo, this year's Tata Mumbai Marathon winner, and Lemlem Hailu, 2022 World Indoor 3000m champion, add further shine to the women's start lists.
Mwaniki is the fastest among the men with a time of 26:59 he achieved while finishing third in Valencia earlier this year. He is the 19th runner in the World to run 10K in under 27 minutes.
Kipkogei, the 2019 African junior champion over 10,000m is credited with 27:02 from Madrid last year while Kiprop, clocked an impressive 27:16 this February at Castellon, Spain.
They will keep the race interesting.
Two more Kenyans, Hillary Chepkwony, last year's third-place finisher, and Patrick Mosin, the runner-up in Castellon the previous year, are expected to provide the necessary boost to return fast times.
Two young runners, John Wele from Tanzania and Boki Diriba from Ethiopia may also threaten the Kenyans.
Kenyans Nicholas Kimeli (27:38) and Irene Cheptai (30:35) have held the course records in Bengaluru since 2022.
The winners in the men's and women's categories will each take home Sh3.3m. A course record bonus of Sh1m is also up for grabs.
