Kolkata, August 12, 2026: The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata is all set to embark on a new decade, celebrating a remarkable journey of sport, community, fitness and social impact. Promoted by Procam International, the 11th edition of the World’s First World Athletics Gold Label 25K will take place on Sunday, December 20, 2026, with the iconic Red Road serving as the race-day venue.
Registrations for both physical and virtual races will open on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. IST.
Carrying forward its signature spirit of “Aamar Kolkata. Shonar Kolkata,” the event enters its second decade with a renewed commitment to inspire runners, strengthen communities and further establish Kolkata as a global sporting destination.
Over the past decade, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has grown beyond a sporting event into a movement promoting fitness, healthier lifestyles, greater participation by women, community engagement and the culture of giving.
Sports Leaders and Celebrities Inspire Runners
Padma Shri and former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia urged youngsters to embrace sport, highlighting the importance of discipline, determination and resilience.
Youth icon Swastika Dutta also encouraged greater participation, particularly among women, and described the event as a celebration of Kolkata’s warmth, inclusiveness and community spirit.
Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Dr. Indranil Khan said the race provides young athletes with an opportunity to witness global sporting excellence and draw inspiration to compete at the highest level.
Tourism and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shankar Ghosh said the event has given Kolkata a stronger presence on the global sporting map and reaffirmed the government’s support for the race.
Tata Steel Reaffirms Commitment to a Lasting Legacy
D. B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said the true success of the event lies not only in participation but in the culture and community it creates.
He highlighted the race’s evolution into an institution reflecting the aspirations of a healthier, more confident and connected India, while reaffirming Tata Steel’s commitment to creating an impact that extends beyond race day.
IDFC FIRST Bank, Associate Sponsor, also reiterated its support for an event that promotes discipline, consistency, personal progress and healthier lifestyles.
AMARON Joins as Powered By Partner
AMARON, the flagship brand of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility, has joined the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata as the Powered By Partner.
The partnership reflects AMARON’s association with endurance, consistency and dependable performance. The brand said it aims to contribute to the wider sports and marathon ecosystem through the collaboration.
Air India Express Becomes Airline Partner
Air India Express, a Tata Group airline and wholly owned subsidiary of Air India Limited, has come on board as the Airline Partner.
As part of the partnership, Air India Express has introduced a unique Runner’s Passport, celebrating runners’ journeys across cities and years.
Under the “Run CCU, Fly Xpress” initiative, participants can avail themselves of flight discounts of up to 20% using the code RUNCCU on Air India Express platforms. On race day, the airline will also provide baggage management services for runners.
PLAYSCAPE to Bring Active Living Under One Roof
The event will also feature PLAYSCAPE, a first-of-its-kind expo platform focused on movement, wellness, innovation, lifestyle and community.
Conceived by Procam International in partnership with Exhibetter Global, PLAYSCAPE aims to bring together runners, brands, businesses, creators and communities under the philosophy:
“More than an expo. A landscape of active living.”
Special Experiences for Runners
The 11th edition introduces several initiatives designed to make the race experience more memorable:
- Medal of Steel: Every 25K finisher will receive a specially crafted medal made from Tata Steel, symbolising strength, grit and determination.
- Debutantes: First-time participants will receive a specially designed Race Bib to mark the beginning of their running journey.
- Home Run Squad: Families with at least four confirmed participants across race categories will receive a personalised digital photo frame capturing their race-day moment.
- Good for Youth: Dedicated registration opportunities for participants aged 18–21 years.
- Good for Silver: Dedicated registration opportunities for participants aged 65 years and above.
Registration Details
On-ground registrations for the 25K, Open 10K, Ananda Run, Senior Citizen Run and Champions with Disability Run will open on August 13, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. and close on November 27, 2026, or once running places are filled.
Participants registering for the 25K will be required to submit a valid timing certificate. Limited entries have also been reserved in the 25K and Open 10K categories to encourage greater participation by women.
Virtual registrations for the 25K, Open 10K and 5K will also open on August 13 at 7:00 a.m. and close on December 11, 2026, or when available places are filled.
A New Decade, A Bigger Sporting Movement
Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has come to represent the sporting soul of Kolkata and has become a powerful symbol of the Fit India movement and community spirit.
As the event begins its new decade, organisers expressed gratitude to Tata Steel, IDFC FIRST Bank, the Government of West Bengal, partners, volunteers, runners and the people of Kolkata for making the race a landmark event on the city’s sporting calendar.
The 11th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata promises to be more than a race — it aims to be a celebration of Kolkata, its people and a new decade of possibilities.
