World 10K: Geremew set to defend title

Aiming for his third successive crown, Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew said that he was eagerly waiting for the race on Sunday.

“This is one race that I look forward to,” the Ethiopian said. “I love this race. I have run well here the past two years and there is always a very strong field, something that helps me push myself. And this time too, it’s no different.”

Also participating in the strong field in the elite men’s section will be the world record holder in the 10-kilometre distance, Leonard Komon of Kenya.  After a series of injuries sidelined Komon for most of 2015 and 2016, the Kenyan made a strong comeback at the World Cross Country Championships in Kampala, Uganda a few weeks ago. And the 29-year-old said he was happy that he took that chance. “I had missed a lot due to injury and I wanted to get back to racing soon,” he said.

“I took my chance to be in the trials for the Kenyan team for the World Cross Country. I came fifth and got selected. It (the race in Kampala) was really helpful. I finished 12th, clocked a good time and it has helped me believe that I can get back to my best soon,” he stated.

While Komon and Ethiopian Geremew will headline the men’s elite section, the women’s half will see reigning World Cross Country champion Irene Cheptai of Kenya battling it out with her compatriot Helah Kiprop, who returns to Bengaluru for the sixth time.

Back after leading a top-six sweep at the Kampala event, though Cheptai took some time off to celebrate her achievement, the 25-year-old was soon back on the track with the World Championships at London beckoning in August.

“There were celebrations, but largely within the family. But now I am back to training and I hope to do well here. After this I have the Rome Diamond League (on June 8) and then the World Championships. So I want to make the most of this opportunity,” said the Kenyan would be looking for a medal in the 10,000-metre event in London.