27-04-2025
Over 35,000 runners participate in TCS World 10K Bengaluru
The streets of Bengaluru came alive on Sunday morning as over 35,000 runners participated in the 17th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bengaluru, an annual 10 km road running competition in the city, with the sunny weather setting the perfect backdrop.
Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru South, was also among the participants of the 10-km run. 'Seeing cancer survivors, new mothers, and countless individuals who have overcome immense personal challenges participate alongside us is deeply inspiring,' Mr. Surya said.
Thomas Bobby Philip, a popular figure in the running community, stressed the importance of running barefoot. 'Every living being is born barefoot. Wearing shoes is unnatural,' Mr. Philip said. He marked his 15th consecutive year at the event. Mr. Philip also praised this year's race route, calling the final stretch 'a beautiful, rolling incline' that allowed runners to pick up speed towards the finish.
57-year-old Bimla Banwala, who chose to run in a 'salwar kameez', a traditional Indian attire, stole the spotlight on Sunday. 'The salwar kameez is what I always wear, so I see no reason to change it for a run. In the beginning, I wasn't allowed to participate in many runs because of the way I dressed. Fellow competitors objected to it, but I was firm,' Ms. Banwala said.
Ketan Abhonkar, a seasoned marathoner since 2015, did the run while jugglin three balls. Mr. Abhonkar discovered juggling during the pandemic and gradually combined the two skills. 'Running alone became monotonous. Juggling brought a fun challenge,' he said. Mr. Abhonkar joked that he owns more sets of juggling balls than running shoes.
Sathya Mahadev, a specially-abled participant, did his debut run in a 2011 marathon. 'The facilities provided here were perfect for specially-abled people,' Sathya, a passionate cricketer, said.
Several NGOs participated in the event to raise awareness for various causes. One such organisation, Amar Seva Sangam, aimed to raise funds for the inclusive education of children with disabilities in schools run by them by being part of the Open 10K. This is the 11th successive year of participation for the sangam.
The TCS World 10K Bengaluru turned out to be a fun outing for a family of four.
'My father is a fitness fanatic. One day, he declared he was going to participate, with or without us. He said we were welcome to join,' said Navneeth, who had his mother, wife, and father Kailesh for company.
