Comprehensive preparations in place as Bengaluru gears up for race day

Bengaluru : Procam International, the promoter of the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, today outlined the arrangements and precautions in place for race day on Sunday, 26th April 2026. The 18th edition will be flagged off from the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground and is set to witness a record participation of over 36,000 runners in the Garden City.

The meet-and-greet session, held at the Media Centre, was attended by dignitaries from various fields, who discussed their roles and responsibilities in ensuring the race is well managed. They also highlighted the measures in place to ensure runners are well supported and taken care of during the pre- and post-race phases. The event will be supported by the Indian Army, Karnataka & Kerala Sub Area.

Sharing his assessment of race-day conditions and the course, Hugh Jones said, “The weather will influence the leading times, but the course is in good shape. One of the key improvements is the return to the full stretch around Ulsoor Lake, which allows us to avoid the U-turns we had last year. That helps runners maintain their rhythm and flow, rather than breaking stride.”

“It also makes a difference psychologically. Overall, it’s a more fluid and scenic route this year, which should enhance the experience for all participants.”

Dr. Vivek Jawali, Chairman Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru & Medical Director TCS W10K 2026, said, “With a record number of participants, we have further strengthened our medical preparedness across the board. A 30-bed medical facility with ICU support will be set up at the venue, supported by multiple medical stations along the route, ambulances, medics on bikes with defibrillators, and a dedicated command centre to ensure quick response.

“With over 250 medical personnel deployed and all Fortis hospitals on alert, our focus is on ensuring a safe and well-supported race day experience for every participant.”

Dr. Uma Shankar, Consultant on Sustainability and Public Health Specialist, added, “We have built a zero waste-to-landfill model with waste segregated at source and responsibly disposed, reduced single-use plastics significantly, and introduced initiatives like collecting unused water for tree plantation, which has become a global case study. For Procam, sustainability is not a tick mark, but a habit.”

Highlighting the broader impact of the event, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said,
“This running revolution is truly a matter of pride not just for Bengaluru, but for the entire country. It has brought a wave of health, fitness and charity consciousness among citizens.”

“Bengaluru today stands as the running capital of India, and that is a result of the collective support of so many stakeholders coming together. We are excited for race day.”

The race continues to draw widespread participation across categories, reflecting its growing appeal among both elite and amateur runners. This year’s edition features a diverse mix of participants across segments.

On-ground + Virtual Run Category-Wise Breakup

Category
Participants
World 10K (Elite)
98
Open 10K
22,189
Senior Citizens Run
1,559
Champions with Disability
804
Majja Run
12,171

The medical partner, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, outlined the comprehensive medical arrangements that will be overseen by a team of leading doctors and support staff. They also highlighted key precautions that participants should take before and after the race to ensure a safe and healthy experience.

The route was unveiled by the dignitaries and will see over 36,000 runners pass through some of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Ulsoor Lake, Dickenson Road, and Vidhana Soudha. #EndendiguBengaluru

RACE CATEGORY & TIMES
RACE CATEGORY
START TIME
FINISH TIME
Pre-Holding Area
Entry From
World 10K Women
05:30 AM
06:10 AM
Outside Army Public School on Kamaraj Road
Kamaraj Road
World 10K Men
06:08 AM
06:43 AM
Outside Army Public School on Kamaraj Road
Kamaraj Road
Open 10K
06:10 AM
08:45 AM
RSAOI Cricket Ground
RSAOI Gate No. 4 on MG Road
CWD & Sr. Citizen Run (3k)
08:00 AM
09:00 AM
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground on Kamaraj Road
Gate No. 7, Kamaraj Road

Majja Run (4.2k)
08:30 AM
10:00 AM
RSAOI Cricket Ground
RSAOI Gate No. 4 on MG Road

RACE DAY ARRANGEMENTS
Procam International consistently focuses on delivering a seamless and rewarding experience for all participants.
Comprehensive medical support will be available along the route and at the finish to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Key preparations include:
ARRANGEMENTS BY MEDICAL PARTNER FORTIS HOSPITALS, BENGALURU:
o 1 holding area medical station at RSAOI cricket ground
o 5 medical stations along the route
o 1 medical basecamp inside Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground
o 1 common medical station for SCR & CWD participants inside Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground
o 1 medical station for elite athletes outside the Army public school (parking lot)
o 1 medical station at the post refreshment area inside the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground
o 10 ACLS ambulances along the route & venue and 2 mini ambulances at the finish for shuttle from finish to basecamp
o 10 medics on bikes
o 2 golfcarts with medics at finish for shuttle from finish to basecamp
The event’s hydration partner, Bisleri, India’s most trusted packaged drinking water brand, will ensure participants remain well-hydrated by providing water along the route and at the finish line. A total of eight Bisleri water stations will be strategically placed across the holding area, along the route, post-finish, and within the refreshment area.
Additionally, there will be three Bisleri rehydration stations, two along the route and one post-finish. Along the route and post-finish, chikki and salt stations will be available to support participants’ energy levels, along with chemical toilets for convenience.
Bisleri Water stations:
o 1 holding area
o 5 water stations on route
o 1 post finish
o 1 post refreshment
Bisleri rehydration Stations:
o 2 Bisleri Origin stations on route
o 1 post finish Bisleri Origin Station
Chikki & Salt stations:
o 2 Chikki & Salt station on route
Chemical toilets:
o 10 locations on route
On-ground workforce
o Volunteers: 1200+
o Policemen: 1000+

Bengaluru Cheers for the Participants
Procam Josh will transform Bengaluru into a city-wide cheering arena, with citizens running 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 early on race day, with trains 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 operate at 15-minute intervals for the first hour, followed by 30-minute intervals until 7:00 AM, and thereafter as per the regular schedule, ensuring convenient travel for participants from across the city to the venue.

Sustainable Footprint
The TCS World 10K Bengaluru continues its strong commitment towards becoming a Zero Waste to Landfill event, with enhanced strategies and measurable impact across all areas of operations.
Waste Management & Circularity
Enhanced Last-Mile Waste Management: Strengthened collaboration with GBA and Hasiru Dala Innovations to ensure faster and more efficient waste collection and processing.
Improved Segregation at Source: Strict implementation of waste segregation across all zones.
Organic Waste to Bio-CNG: Organic waste will be diverted for energy generation.
Expanded Recycling Pathways: Increased focus on recycling materials across categories.
Plastic Reduction Measures: Elimination of plastic covers for bibs and volunteer T-shirts.
Sustainable Materials: Use of reusable and durable event bags along with eco-friendly packaging.
Water Sustainability
Water Reuse Initiatives: Leftover drinking water and ice packs will be repurposed for watering plants and maintaining green spaces.
Food Sustainability
Zero Food Waste Goal: Strong measures to minimize food wastage.
Food Redistribution: Surplus food will be redistributed responsibly to support communities.
Sustainable Mobility
Encouraging the use of public transport and carpooling among participants and stakeholders.
Provision of bicycle parking facilities.
Strategic planning to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the event.
Community & Social Impact
Shoe Collection Drive: Donated shoes will be distributed to underprivileged communities.
Volunteer & Participant Awareness: Active engagement to promote responsible behaviour.
Education & Engagement: Sustainability-focused initiatives at the Expo and on-ground.
Awareness & Advocacy
On-Ground Sustainability Messaging: Clear communication across the venue and race route.
Athlete & Influencer Advocacy: Promoting sustainable practices through key voices.
Transparency & Reporting
A detailed Sustainability Report for 2026 will be published post-event.
A Biodiversity Survey will be conducted to assess and document environmental impact.

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 7:00 pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday.

Live Telecast
The TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026 will be telecast live on Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 1 HD on Sunday, April 26, from 5:15 AM onwards, bringing the race-day action to viewers across the country.