As the skies opened up on Saturday evening, one couldn’t help but pray that the Bengaluru roads would be conducive for the runners on Sunday morning.
Having said that, even if there are a few hiccups on the way, the spirit of the city is such that the show will not only go on, it will spring into action as 23,245 runners put their best foot forward at the Sunfeast World 10K Run.
While the people of the city will celebrate the spirit of running, top athletes from across the globe will vie for top honours in the $155,000 prize money event.
At the event, the rivalry between the Ethiopians and Kenyans is expected to take centre stage.
Defending champion Deriba Merga of Ethiopia will have to push himself to wade off the challenge from Kenya’s in-form Wilson Kipsang.
The Kenyan, fresh from his exploits at the Paris marathon, is in great shape. On the other hand Merga, who was delayed and landed on Saturday evening, will have to fight fatigue, jet lag and the challenge that awaits him.
In the women’s event, reigning champion Aselefech Mergia of Ethiopia will look for an encore.
More than pride at stake for Indians
The Indian athletes have more than just the prize money at stake. Having defied the Athletics Federation of India’s ban, they have their pride and spirit at stake too. The Indian challenge will be led by defending champion Sandeep Kumar and 2008 champion Kashinath Aswale. Among the women, in the absence of last year’s winner Kavita Raut, local girl Preeti L. Rao, who finished third among the Indian women last year and had won the first edition, will be the favourite.