Ugandan Athletes Aim for Glory at TCS World 10K

As the TCS World 10K approaches, defending champion Sarah Chelangat and her teammate Harbert Kibet are poised to represent Uganda with high hopes. Chelangat feels fit and ready to defend her title, while Kibet aims to build on his recent success in Spain. The competition will also feature notable athletes like Burundi's Rodrigue Kwizera and Ethiopia's Gemechu Dida, both eager to make their mark. With the women's race showcasing talents like Brenda Jepchirchir and Fantaye Belayneh, the event promises thrilling performances. Read on to learn more about these athletes and their aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 11:19 IST

Defending Champion's Ambitions

Sarah Chelangat, the reigning champion, along with her teammate Harbert Kibet, is hopeful about achieving a Ugandan victory at the 18th edition of the TCS World 10K, a prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Road Race scheduled for Sunday, April 26. Sarah expressed her confidence during the pre-race press conference, stating, "I feel completely fit compared to last year. I secured the 2025 title despite dealing with a back injury. I've recovered quickly and am prepared to achieve a better time to defend my title."

Harbert Kibet's Journey

For Harbert Kibet, running is an integral part of his daily routine. He has been accustomed to carrying a heavy backpack filled with books while commuting to school, covering approximately 20 kilometers daily since his primary school days, which has significantly enhanced his endurance, making him a world-class athlete.

Earlier this year, Kibet clinched victory in a 10K race in Castellon, Spain, clocking an impressive time of 26:39, nearly a minute faster than the men's event record for the Bengaluru World 10K, positioning him as a strong contender for this year's title.

Kibet has previously represented Uganda at the 2024 World U20 Championships in Lima and at the World Championships in Tokyo last year. He is eager to secure a spot on the Ugandan team for this year's Commonwealth Games and the upcoming LA Olympics.

The young athlete is ready to compete against more seasoned runners from neighboring countries in Bengaluru, stating, "I am in excellent shape and am looking forward to winning the race on Sunday."

Notable Competitors in Men's Race

Rodrigue Kwizera, a 26-year-old from Burundi, is another athlete to watch in the men's category. With over a dozen 10K races under his belt, Kwizera has set national records in various road events, including a remarkable 58:16 finish in the Prague half-marathon, making him a formidable competitor in Bengaluru.

Kwizera, who finished as the runner-up in 2023, commented, "My body feels great. I've been training hard and am excited to return to Bengaluru. On Sunday, I aim to set a course record."

Ethiopian Runner's Return

Ethiopian athlete Gemechu Dida, also 26, is making a return to Bengaluru after three years. With a personal best of 26:54 in the 10K, Dida previously secured two silver medals in the 10,000m at the African Games and Championships in 2024. He expressed concerns about the hot weather, saying, "I am not accustomed to such heat. However, starting early in the morning might help. I am preparing for the half-marathon in Valencia, but my main focus is to be fast in any event."

Women's Race Contenders

In the women's race, Kenyan Brenda Jepchirchir is a strong contender, having achieved two impressive 10K victories earlier this year, including a personal best of 29:25 in Valencia. She shared, "10K is my favorite distance. I am currently training in Nakuru and feel good about my shape leading into the race. After this, I want to focus on the 5K Road. I'm uncertain about competing on the track this summer, but I might aim for the Commonwealth Games."

Ethiopia's Fantaye Belayneh, a 25-year-old 5000m World Championships finalist in Tokyo, has been concentrating on the half-marathon recently. With a personal best of 30 minutes in the 10K, she hopes to improve her time if the weather conditions are favorable on Sunday.