There is a strong possibility of records being re-written in the World 10K Bangalore to be run Sunday, according to Jurrie Van der Velden of Global Sports Communication (GSC), as he introduced the first lot of elite athletes here Thursday.
Leading the women's field and coming to Bangalore on the back of strong performances is Emily Chebet, the double and current World Cross Country Champion, who last year ran the fourth fastest time of the year of 30 minutes, 58 seconds at the Tilburg Ladies 10K.
Chebet, who is expected to make a strong attack on the course record of 31:58 seconds that Yimer Wude set, said: "This is my first visit to India and I am still getting used to the weather but since I specialise in the 10,000 metres event, I am certain I will do well here. I have had a good year so far and the gold medal at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz in March this year has done my confidence a world of good and I hope to do well on Sunday."
The other front runner among the ladies field is defending champion Helah Kiprop, who hopes to become the first woman to have won the World 10K title twice in a row. Kiprop, who has a personal best of 31:44 and is also coming here in good form having won the 2013 Berlin Half Marathon, said: "It feels great to be back in India again. I had a good run last year and I hope to better my time and win this year again.
"I have been coaching with my husband; his methods and techniques have improved my performance and provided a strong sense of motivation which will hold me in great stead through the season."
Kenyan Daniel Salel is among the front runners in the men's section and is keen to make a mark on his return to India after the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi where he won a silver medal.
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"It's a very strong field but I am prepared to run a fast race," said Salel while not ruling out the possibility of a new course record.
Britain's Scott Overall, who was fifth at the Berlin Marathon, will be looking to make an impression among the African strong names and said, "This is my first run after the Berlin event. I am feeling fit and am looking forward to enjoying the 10K. Going by my current form, I am hoping to get close to my personal best in the run on Sunday."