More than a race: TCS World 10K Bengaluru showcases spirit, strength & joy

Bengaluru: On a warm Sunday morning, more than 33,000 running enthusiasts took to the streets at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru run. It was not just a test of endurance or a celebration of fitness; it became a vibrant display of resilience, inclusion, and human spirit. Senior citizens, children, people with disabilities, professional athletes, and first-time runners all shared the same roads, proving that the event was about far more than winning.Among them was 23-year-old Anmol Sahu, a visually impaired participant whose energy stood out as much as his determination. Anmol, a marketing professional, is pursuing his master's degree, creating content on YouTube, and even providing IPL previews — all while navigating life. "I enjoyed the run to the fullest," he said with a smile.His guide for the race, Mehul Pancholi, laughed as he recalled the experience. "He was running faster than me. He was way too excited for the run. I had to ask him to keep a steady pace."For Razia Begum, the race was another reminder that physical limitations do not define possibility. Living with polio, which has caused permanent loss of mobility, she completed her run in a wheelchair. "I did this easily and would definitely do it again," she said.Another participant, Suseela Siyadri, who is visually impaired, said the run was not simply about participation, but about joy. She spent much of the race cheering on fellow runners, lifting spirits along the route with her infectious enthusiasm. "A fantastic run. I had a lot of fun," she added.Habit & healthFor some, fitness is not a recent pursuit but a lifelong habit. At 78, Nirmala spoke with the confidence of someone who has established a daily discipline. "For the last 7-8 years, I've been a fitness enthusiast," she said. "I go for a 5km walk every day," she said.At the finish line, Ashwath Narayan summed up the experience in just two words: "Very good." He had taken part in the run alongside his friends Ramnath Sharma and Sheshan, both over 70 and retired employees of TCS, turning the event into a fitness challenge and a reunion of old friends.For others, the fitness journey began with a personal health scare.Neelam, a resident of DLF Akshaya Nagar, said walking became a necessity after doctors advised her to stay active because of a heart condition. "I had a bit of a heart problem, so the doctor suggested walking," she revealed. Having moved from Delhi to Bengaluru, she found that the city itself made the habit easier to sustain. Today, she clocks between 15,000 and 20,000 steps daily — a routine built through consistency and determination.On the streets of Bengaluru Sunday, the message was clear: fitness is not about speed, medals, or competition. It is about showing up, moving forward and proving — one step at a time — that limits are often meant to be challenged.Costumes, causes & consciousnessDancing to the beats of Dollu Kunita, carrying messages for a better Bengaluru, and pledging support for social causes, participants turned heads with their creativity at TCS World 10K Bengaluru.Among them was 64-year-old KC Janardhan, who drew attention by dressing up as ‘Depression Asura' (depression demon) to raise awareness about the rising number of suicides linked to mental health struggles. Highlighting issues such as academic pressure, financial stress, and relationship failures, his costume carried a clear message: "Don't embrace me, don't let depression embrace you."The event also saw participants dressed as popular and symbolic figures, such as Spider-Man, Donald Trump, angels, and devils. With the LPG crisis remaining a major concern, some participants also turned up dressed as LPG cylinders, using the race as a platform to spotlight everyday issues.Words for thoughtCheerful poster holders lined the route with messages like "woke up early on a Sunday to see you run" and "even traffic couldn't stop you," as supporters with placards kept runners motivated throughout the race.Amazing crowd: AbdullahJammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, who ran alongside his son Zahir Abdullah, was among the participants who sweated it out in the open 10K category.Speaking to reporters after completing his run in about 50 minutes, Abdullah said, "I started a little too fast, and then the humidity of Bengaluru caught up with me. But the crowds were amazing. I've run in other cities as well, but the passion and support that I saw from the crowds here were amazing. It really gives us a lot of energy."Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya, along with his wife Sivasri Skandaprasad, badminton legend Prakash Padukone, and his daughter Anisha were among those who participated.— Kaushal Kumar V and Nyasa Gupta
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