Air India Express joins the running movement ~
~ Indian Hockey star & ASICS athlete Jarmanpreet Singh unveils the Finisher Tee ~
Bengaluru, 18 April 2026: Promoted by Procam International, the 18th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru is set to welcome a record 35,000+ participants across on-ground and virtual races on Sunday, April 26, 2026. This marks yet another milestone for a race that has come to embody the city’s spirit, #EndendiguBengaluru.
As the world’s premier 10K, the race continues to set new benchmarks, with Open 10K registrations selling out in a record seven days and other categories oversubscribed, highlighting the rapid rise of distance running as India’s fastest-growing sports.
With a total prize purse of USD 210,000, the World Athletics Gold Label Race will feature a fast elite field, including Uganda’s Harbert Kibet and defending champion Sarah Chelangat, alongside defending champion and event record holder Abhishek Pal of India and Sanjivani Jadhav, set against the picturesque backdrop of Bengaluru. Joining them at the flag-off on Cubbon Road will be World Champion and Olympic medallist Blanka Vlašić as the International Event Ambassador.
Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, Tata Consultancy Services, Bengaluru, said, “The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is more than a race, it’s a celebration of a city that embraces progress with purpose and shows what’s possible when people come together. Every edition reflects Bengaluru’s collective drive to live healthier, aim higher, and support one another — not just on race day, but well beyond the finish line. At TCS, we’re proud to run alongside this community and champion running as a powerful platform for wellbeing and connection. We look forward to an inspiring day on the streets of Bengaluru and wish every participant a joyful, memorable run.”
Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “As the Associate Sponsor of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, we are proud to mark five years of supporting a platform that inspires thousands to push boundaries and become a stronger version of themselves. At IDFC FIRST Bank, we believe true progress comes from consistently choosing what’s right over what’s easy, not just in finance, but in life a spirit that mirrors every runner’s journey to go the distance.”
Air India Express joins as an Airline Partner
Air India Express has come on board as the Official Airline Partner for all Procam International races, beginning with the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026. The partnership focuses on enhancing the complete runner journey—extending beyond race day to seamless travel experiences.
Air India Express and Procam have introduced a unique ‘Runner’s Passport’ experience, turning every race into a journey worth collecting. Through the Runner’s Passport Activation, Air India Express highlights the journeys runners undertake across cities and years. The initiative encourages participants to ‘Run Bengaluru, Fly Xpress’ with flight discounts of up to 20%.
Each participant will receive a specially designed passport at the Expo, which transforms into a personal keepsake across the running season. Upon successful completion of their race, runners will earn an exclusive stamp—distinct for every distance—with the World 10K in Bengaluru featuring a signature colour stamp. Over time, this passport evolves into a cherished memorabilia, capturing milestones, achievements, and the spirit of every finish line—much like a personal running logbook.
On Race Day, at the venue, Air India Express will further support runners through baggage management services, allowing participants to focus entirely on their run without logistical concerns.
Siddhartha Butalia – CMO, Air India Express, said, “At Air India Express, we celebrate journeys that bring people closer to their passions. Our partnership spanning the major marathons in our hubs of Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai, reflects that spirit. A marathon is as much about the journey as the finish line, and we are delighted to support runners with seamless connectivity and curated travel benefits, making every journey memorable, on ground and in the air, while encouraging runners to explore more and experience more”.
Indian athletes to vie for glory
The men’s contest will be led by defending champion Abhishek Pal, who will be joined by Kiran Matre, who recently finished second among Indians at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 (1:04:57) and third at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025 (30:01). Also in the line-up is National Marathon Champion Dr. Kartik Karkera, who made a winning debut at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 with a time of 2:19:55.
The Indian elite women’s line-up will feature the defending champion, Sanjivani Jadhav, who holds a 10K personal best of 34:02, set at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2024, and has enjoyed consistent success across the domestic road racing circuit. She won the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 on debut and previously claimed the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2024 title in 1:29:12. She will face strong competition from Lili Das, who boasts a 10K personal best of 34:13 and has been a national champion in the 1500m. Das, winner of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024 edition, was the runner-up at the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2024 edition.
Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said,
“The TCS World 10K Bengaluru has grown into far more than just a race, it is a true running revolution that champions health, fitness, and social harmony. This year, the Open 10K registrations closed in just six days, truly reflecting the growth of the running revolution. We will see over 9,000 participants travelling from outside Bengaluru, underlining the event’s allure. The kind of energy and socio-economic value the event brings to the city is truly unparalleled.”
TCS World 10K Bengaluru Finisher Tee by ASICS – Sports Goods Partner
Indian hockey star and ASICS athlete Jarmanpreet Singh unveiled the exclusive ASICS Finisher Tee, continuing the brand’s legacy of supporting endurance athletes. ASICS, the Japanese sports performance brand, is a long-standing partner of the event and has consistently elevated the runner experience. As a token of appreciation for their effort and dedication, the top 1500 Open 10K finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories will be awarded this commemorative tee.
ASICS athlete Jarmanpreet Singh said: “I see a strong connection between hockey and running. It’s all about pacing yourself, staying consistent, and finishing strong. Even though I haven’t run a 10K yet, the core remains the same, preparation, discipline, and mental strength.
In Bengaluru, I’ve seen how excited people are about the TCS World 10K Bengaluru. Even in the society where I live, everyone is preparing and motivating each other. It’s not just about the race, but the sense of community and connection it creates.”
Limited Edition Bottles by Hydration Partner Bisleri
Hydration Partner Bisleri has launched limited-edition bottles featuring India’s finest athletes, including Abhishek Pal, winner of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025 edition and event record holder; Harmanjot Singh, runner-up at the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025 and Soniya, silver medallist in the 10,000m at the 2025 National Open Athletics Championships. These commemorative bottles honour their remarkable achievements while inspiring runners across the nation.
Bengaluru cheers for the participants
Program Josh will transform Bengaluru into a city-wide cheering arena, with citizens, run clubs, and NGOs lining the route—infusing the race with vibrant local culture and an electrifying experience for participants. The course will come alive with Dollu Kunitha, the powerful traditional drum dance, along with cheering zones inspired by Bengaluru’s iconic KR Flower Market, and community groups dressed in traditional attire adding colour and spirit throughout the route. Moreover, over 570+ supporters from run clubs— including Cisco Runners, JJ’s Running, Running Roadies, Magical Malnad, Running Buddies, Trail Blazers, ODU Run Club, Sunlight Blazers, Run Addicts, Infinity Run Club, and Main Mission—will be out in full force to energise runners every step of the way.
Special Services by BMRCL on Race Day
BMRCL will commence metro services starting from Whitefield (Kadugodi) at 3.30 am, Challaghatta at 3.35 am, Madavara at 3.20 am, Silk Institute at 3.30 am and Bommasandra at 3.00 am. Trains will run every 15 minutes for the first hour. Thereafter, it will run at 30-minute intervals till 7.00 am on race day, and later as per schedule, enabling participants to travel conveniently from different parts of the city to the venue.
Sustainable Footprint
The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is committed to sustainability, focusing on waste reduction, eco-friendly mobility, and resource conservation. As a zero-waste-to-landfill event, it ensures segregation, recycling, composting, and energy recovery, supported by partners like the Greater Bengaluru Authority and Hasiru Dala Innovations. With paperless operations, sustainable hydration, biodiversity efforts, renewable energy exploration, and community engagement, the race continues to lower its carbon footprint and set a benchmark for responsible sporting events.
Get Active Expo
Get Active Expo will take place at St. Joseph’s Indian High School (CBSE), 23, Vittal Mallya Road, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru (Opposite UB City Mall). The Expo will serve as a hub for runners and fitness enthusiasts alike. It will commence on Thursday, 23 April, and run through Saturday, 25 April 2026. The Expo will be open from 10:00 am to 7:009 pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday.
Registered runners must visit the venue to collect their bibs, participate in exclusive meet-ups, and explore special offers from top sports and lifestyle brands.
