BENGALURU: As the harsh summer, despite the occasional spells of rain, continues to trouble Bengalureans, some of the world's best runners, mainly from Kenya and Ethiopia, would be hoping to post their best times or set new records on the new-look course.
Leading the bunch is defending champion
Mosinet Geremew
of Ethiopia who landed here on Friday night. "The competition is tight as all the Kenyans guys are strong. For example Patrick Makau, the former world-record holder, he is very experienced," said the soft-spoken Geremew, who won last year in 28 minutes, 16 seconds.
"Last year's runner up is also a good performer," the champion said, not ruling out another strong challenge from his teammate Bira Fikadu Seboka who finished in 28:18s.
Geremew said he might find it difficult this year due to the hot weather. "It was better last year and I don't like hot weather," he said.
It's Jepchirchir vs Kenyan teammates The women's race promises to go down to the wire in what would be a stirring competition between world half marathon champion
Peres Jepchirchir
of Kenya and her teammates
Gladys Chesir
and
Linet Masai
.
Peres timed 31:20s at the 10k mark as she won the Yangzhou half marathon and if she can repeat that then the course record of 31:48s set by Lucy Kabu in 2014 would be history.
Last year, Ethiopian
Mamitu Daska
won in 31:57s.Referring to the strong field, Peres said it would help in producing a fast race.
Naming her top contenders, Peres said: "Agnes Tirop is the 2015 World Cross Country champion. She also won a bronze in 5000m at the 2014 world juniors. Also Magdalyne Masai and Gladys Chesir are strong in 10K."
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