The landmark 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025 is set for a blockbuster showdown as more than 23,000 runners from across the globe gear up for the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race on Sunday, 21 December. Organised by Procam International, this year’s event promises one of the strongest elite fields in its decade-long history, celebrating #ADecadeOfDifference in the City of Joy.
Headlining the men’s field is Uganda’s Double Olympic and Triple World Champion Joshua Cheptegei, who will make his much-awaited debut over the 25K distance. The 29-year-old, who holds multiple world records on the track and roads, expressed enthusiasm for racing in India again, saying, “India is one of my favourite destinations. I want to give my best in my maiden venture in Kolkata.”
In a major boost to competition, organisers have announced a USD 25,000 bonus for any athlete breaking the existing world record of 1:11:08. The total prize purse stands at USD 142,214, with equal prize money for men and women. The top three finishers in both categories will receive USD 15,000, USD 10,000, and USD 7,000 respectively, along with a USD 5,000 event record bonus.
Joining Cheptegei in the men’s lineup is Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu, fresh from his dramatic World Championships Marathon victory in Tokyo, where he edged Germany’s Amanal Petros by just three-hundredths of a second. Ethiopia’s Haymanot Alew, who recorded a blistering 2:03:31 for third place at the 2024 Berlin Marathon, and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, runner-up at this year’s Xiamen Marathon, further strengthen the competitive field. The roster also includes a strong Kenyan and Ethiopian contingent featuring Collins Kipkorir, Debebe Teka, Tamru Shifera, and emerging talents such as Ayana Geneti and Niguse Abera.
In the women’s category, defending champion and former world record holder Sutume Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia returns to Kolkata aiming for a hat-trick. Kebede, who set the 25K world record in Berlin in 2015 and shattered it again in Kolkata in 2023, seeks redemption after a disappointing 27th-place finish at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo. “I am thrilled to make my third appearance in Kolkata. With an exciting field to challenge me, I expect to improve my timings this year,” she said.
Kebede will face stiff competition from compatriot and former Kolkata winner Degitu Azimeraw, Uganda’s Olympic finalist Sarah Chelangat, and Kenya’s Agnes Keino. Rising Ethiopian talents, including Demilew Zemenaw and Ergat Heshe, add depth to the field.
Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, stated, “With world-class athletes such as Joshua Cheptegei and Alphonce Felix Simbu headlining the elite field, Kolkata is poised for an exciting and fast race later this month.”
With top-tier competition, record-breaking incentives, and overwhelming participation, the 10th edition promises to be a milestone in the event’s illustrious journey.