"VAN" (Sports Desk - 08.03.2026) :: Ahead of International Women’s Day, Procam International announced the all-women pacer team for the 18th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, scheduled for Sunday, April 26, continuing a long-standing tradition associated with the World Athletics Gold Label Race.
The TCS World 10K continues to witness a steady rise in female participation across editions. From nearly 4,000 women runners in the 2008 edition, the most recent edition saw over 9,000 women take part, making up close to one third of the runners on event day. Reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the event, registrations for the Open 10K category were oversubscribed within six days, the fastest in the event’s history.
Like previous editions, 14 women pacers will take on the responsibility of guiding runners across different target finish times, helping participants maintain a steady rhythm through the course while offering encouragement and support along the way.
42-year-old Banker, Jahnnavi Gowda, one of the pacers for this year’s race, believes the growing participation of women can lead to a fitter and healthier society.
“The number of women taking up running and fitness is growing every day. I truly believe that if a woman is fit, the entire family becomes fit,” said Gowda.
Speaking about the responsibility of pacing, she added, “Pacing is not an easy job. It is a huge responsibility because runners trust you to help them achieve their target time. I love cheering runners who are struggling in the last stretch and pushing them to reach their goal. It is both a responsibility and a lovely job to do.”
Dr Lakshmi Roopesh, another member of the all-women pacer team, believes running is one of the most accessible ways for women to begin their fitness journey.
“Running is one of the most accessible ways for women to begin a fitness journey. You just need a pair of running shoes and the willingness to start,” said the 43-year-old
She also described the deeper connection she has developed with the sport over the years. “Running is like moving meditation for me. When I run, there are almost no thoughts in my mind. It is a kind of stillness I do not experience anywhere else.”
Reflecting on the difference between racing and pacing, she added, “When you race, you run for yourself. But when you pace, you run for others. Helping someone achieve their goal gives a kind of satisfaction that no personal best can match.”
Corporate executive Narmada Jayaram, whose running journey began nearly eight years ago, said the sport has become an integral part of her lifestyle.
“Running was actually a birthday gift from my husband almost eight years ago. I had never even run 100 metres before that, but today running has become a part of my lifestyle,” she said.
The 49-year-old added that running has helped her manage multiple aspects of life. “It helps me balance my physical health, mental well-being and professional life. Even with the demands of work and family, I feel more active, focused and able to handle everything much better.”
She also highlighted the strong sense of community among runners. “It is really the camaraderie that pulls you in. Once you have been at it for a year or so, it becomes part of your life. And if you miss a session, someone will always call and say, ‘What happened? Come on, get back.’”
Vivek Singh, Joint MD, Procam International, said the pacers play an important role in the race, while highlighting the growing presence of women in the running community.
“The all-women pacer team has become a special tradition at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru. These pacers do more than guide runners through their target times. They support and inspire thousands of participants on race day. It is a reflection of the remarkable rise in women taking up running and fitness across India, which continues to shape the spirit of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru each year.”
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