Bengaluru, once celebrated as the Garden City of India, has evolved into the country’s Silicon Valley, a global technology hub. Amid this transformation, the city's passion for the outdoors found a new avenue in 2008 with the launch of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, a landmark event that ignited a thriving running culture in India’s fastest-growing metropolis.
Designed to inspire fitness in a city that operates around the clock for global clients, the annual road race quickly became a beacon of healthy living. Nestled high on the Deccan Plateau and blessed with pleasant weather, Bengaluru soon emerged as a frontrunner in India's running movement, vying with Delhi and Mumbai for the title of India’s Running Capital. The global success of the #TCSW10K cemented its position as a premier road race.
This event was the third major running property introduced by Procam International, following the resounding success of the Mumbai Marathon in 2004 and the Delhi Half Marathon in 2005. In less than two decades, these events collectively propelled running into the fastest-growing sport in the country.
The 10K distance is regarded as a perfect blend of speed and endurance, often serving as the gateway to long-distance running. Recognized with a World Athletics Gold Label, the USD 210,000 prize fund race has consistently attracted a stellar international elite field. Bengaluru’s streets have witnessed outstanding performances from world-class athletes, with enthusiastic amateur runners from across India and beyond joining in to experience the city’s electrifying race atmosphere.
The event boasts an illustrious list of past champions, including three-time world half marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor (Kenya) and Tokyo Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya). In 2022, Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli (Kenya) and Irene Cheptai (Kenya) set course records of 27:38 and 30:35, respectively, marking a triumphant return after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus.
Beyond the competition, the TCS World 10K Bengaluru has been a catalyst for social change, establishing itself as southern India’s leading sports philanthropy platform. Since its inception, the event has raised an impressive INR 55 crore, empowering various social causes and community initiatives.
The event has also attracted global sporting legends as International Event Ambassadors, including Carl Lewis, Mike Powell, Marie-José Pérec, Maria Mutola, Stephanie Rice, Arantxa Sánchez, Valerie Adams, and Justin Gatlin.
Adding to the spirit of inclusivity and celebration, the Majja Run (5K) offers participants a chance to soak in the city’s charm, while the Senior Citizens’ Run lets seasoned runners take center stage. The Champions with Disability category further reinforces the event’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every participant finds their place in this iconic race.
With its blend of elite competition, community participation, and philanthropy, the TCS World 10K Bengaluru continues to shape Bengaluru’s identity as a sporting powerhouse and a city that runs towards a healthier future.