Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei and Sarah Chelangat Triumph at TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025
Abhishek Pal and Sanjivani Jadhav Shine in Indian Elite Category
Bengaluru, April 27, 2025 – Uganda’s distance-running stars Joshua Cheptegei and Sarah Chelangat claimed top honors at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, on Sunday. Cheptegei, the reigning world record holder in 5,000m and 10,000m, clocked 27:53 to win the men’s title, while Chelangat dominated the women’s race with a time of 31:07.
The event, held in the heart of India’s Silicon Valley, witnessed fierce competition as elite athletes from across the globe battled for glory. Both Cheptegei and Chelangat made history as the first Ugandans to win the prestigious Bengaluru race, each taking home a winner’s purse of USD 26,000.
Sarah Chelangat Storms to Victory with Commanding Lead
The women’s race saw an early breakaway as Chelangat surged ahead after just two kilometers, leaving a star-studded field—including Kenyans and Ethiopians—struggling to keep pace. By the halfway mark (15:23), she had built a 20-second lead over her closest rivals, Kenya’s Cinthia Chepngeno and Ethiopia’s Guteni Shanko.
Maintaining her relentless tempo, Chelangat crossed the finish line in 31:07, though she narrowly missed breaking the event record. Chepngeno edged out Shanko by less than two seconds to secure second place.
“I felt the pace was slow initially, so I decided to push ahead,” said Chelangat, a two-time Youth Olympic gold medalist and 2024 Paris Olympian. “I came in confident, believing I could win—and I did.”
At just 23, Chelangat’s victory signals a bright future for the rising Ugandan star.
Joshua Cheptegei Holds Off Teenage Sensation in Thrilling Finish
The men’s race unfolded as a tactical battle, with a lead pack of six runners staying tightly bunched until the final stretch. Defending his reputation as one of the world’s greatest distance runners, Cheptegei faced stiff competition from 17-year-old Eritrean phenom Saymon Tesfagiorgis Amanuel, who recently clocked a national record of 27:10 in Lille.
With 200 meters to go, Cheptegei unleashed a blistering kick to clinch victory in 27:53, just two seconds ahead of Amanuel. Kenya’s Vincent Lagat sprinted to third (28:02), while Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay finished fourth (28:03).
“Running as the favorite brings pressure,” admitted Cheptegei. “The young runners like Saymon were aggressive—this is world-class competition. My advice? Patience pays, even when it’s painful.”
Amanuel, competing in only his fourth international race, was thrilled to share the stage with the Olympic champion. “It was a privilege racing Joshua,” he said. “A tough challenge, but an incredible experience.”
Indian Elite: Abhishek Pal Breaks Record, Sanjivani Jadhav Defends Title
In the Indian elite category, Abhishek Pal smashed the event record with a personal best of 29:12, finishing seventh overall. The 2023 Asian Championships bronze medalist shaved nearly 53 seconds off his previous best, set at the same event in 2022.
“This victory means everything,” said Pal, who also earned an additional INR 100,000 for the record. “After the grueling Federation Cup in Kochi, this was a test of endurance—and we delivered.”
Sanjivani Jadhav, fresh off a double victory at the Federation Cup, retained her Indian elite women’s crown with a time of 34:16. Though slower than her 2024 performance, her tactical mastery ensured another podium finish.
A Celebration of Sport and Spirit
The event, graced by dignitaries including Karnataka’s Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, showcased Bengaluru’s passion for athletics. Over 25,000 amateur runners joined the elite athletes, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a running hub.
“Today, Bengaluru witnessed world-class performances and inspiring stories,” said Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head of Tata Consultancy Services, the title sponsor. “This race continues to push boundaries, uniting runners from all walks of life.”
Final Standings
Elite Men:
-
Joshua Cheptegei (UGA) – 27:53
-
Saymon Tesfagiorgis Amanuel (ERI) – 27:55
-
Vincent Lagat (KEN) – 28:02
Elite Women:
-
Sarah Chelangat (UGA) – 31:07
-
Cinthia Chepngeno (KEN) – 31:45
-
Guteni Shanko (ETH) – 31:47
Indian Elite Winners:
-
Men: Abhishek Pal (29:12)
-
Women: Sanjivani Jadhav (34:16)
With record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments, the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025 cemented its place as a premier event on the global running calendar.
