Kolkata, 9 December: The landmark 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata — promoted by Procam International — is set for a thrilling showdown on Sunday, 21st December 2025, as more than 23,000 runners from around the globe unite in the City of Joy to celebrate the spirit of running. The overwhelming response, with registrations being oversubscribed in all categories, reaffirms the event’s decade-long legacy of inspiring athletic excellence — #ADecadeOfDifference.
Headlining the elite field will be Uganda’s two-time Olympic and three-time World Champion Joshua Cheptegei, making his much-anticipated 25K debut, and Ethiopia’s defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede, who is returning to chase a historic hat-trick in Kolkata.
In a major announcement aimed at fuelling world-record ambitions, the organisers declared a USD 25,000 bonus for any athlete who breaks the current world record of 1:11:08.
The USD 142,214 prize money race offers equal rewards for men and women — with the top three finishers earning USD 15,000, USD 10,000, and USD 7,000 respectively — along with an Event Record Bonus of USD 5,000 up for grabs.
Star-studded Line-up
Cheptegei (29) — proud owner of multiple world records including the road 5K and 10K — enters Kolkata after triumphs at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and TCS World 10K Bengaluru. The Ugandan ace expressed his excitement, saying:
“India is one of my favourite destinations. I want to give my best in my maiden venture in Kolkata.”
Joining him in the men’s elite roster is Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu, the sensational World Championships marathon winner in Tokyo this year, who clinched gold by an astonishing three-hundredths of a second. Ethiopia’s blazing Berlin Marathon podium finisher Haymanot Alew and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, runner-up at the Xiamen Marathon, further intensify the competition.
Women’s Field: The Ethiopian Contingent Dominates
Returning champion Sutume Asefa Kebede — who created history in Kolkata in 2023 with a stand-alone world record — is back to reclaim her crown. Her compatriot and former Kolkata champion Degitu Azimeraw is determined to topple her this year.
Ugandan Olympic finalist Sarah Chelangat, fresh from her TCS World 10K Bengaluru victory, and Kenya’s Agnes Keino will also contest strongly for the top honours.
Kebede, who won the Tokyo Marathon this season, shared her excitement:
“I am thrilled to make my third appearance in Kolkata. With such a strong field, I hope to improve my timing this year.”
A Decade of Global Sporting Excellence
Reflecting on the event’s growth, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said:
“With world-class athletes like Joshua Cheptegei and Alphonce Simbu headlining, the 10th edition promises to be one of the fastest and most exhilarating races yet.”
Elite Field – Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025
MEN
- Joshua Cheptegei (UGA/1996) – HM PB: 59:21
- Alphonce Felix Simbu (TAN/1992) – HM PB: 60:03
- Haymanot Alew (ETH/1997) – HM PB: 60:26
- Tebello Ramakonga (LES/1996) – HM PB: 60:17
- Collins Kipkorir (KEN/2001) – HM PB: 60:23
- Debebe Teka (ETH/1998) – HM PB: 61:37
- Tamru Shifera (ETH/1998) – HM PB: 60:47
- Reuben Rono (KEN/2000) – HM PB: 62:05
- Matthew Lagat (KEN/2003) – HM PB: 61:31
- Fikadu Liche (ETH/2004) – HM PB: 60:34
- Anthony Kipchirchir (KEN/2001) – HM PB: 62:02
- Wisley Yego (KEN/1997) – HM PB: 60:32
- Stephen Kimutai (KEN/1994) – HM PB: 61:32
- Ayana Geneti (ETH/2005)
- Niguse Abera (ETH)
WOMEN
- Sutume Asefa Kebede (ETH/1994) – 25KM PB: 1:18:47
- Degitu Azimeraw (ETH/1999) – 25KM PB: 1:22:20
- Sarah Chelangat (UGA/2001) – HM PB: 67:59
- Agnes Keino (KEN/1988) – HM PB: 68:47
- Zemenaw Demilew (ETH/2005)
- Heshe Ergat (ETH/2006)
- Mastewal Sile (ETH/1999)
- Ziyn Ayelegn (ETH/2005)
- Hawi Worku (ETH)
