Defending Champions, Global Newcomers Set for High-Stakes Showdown at Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata

Kolkata, 19 December 2025: The stage is set for a compelling clash of pedigree and promise as defending champions and world-class newcomers vie for top honours at the landmark 10th edition of the , scheduled for Sunday, December 21. The race carries the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label, underscoring its elite global standing.

Photo Caption: International elite athletes pose at the iconic Victoria Memorial, Kolkata (L to R): Alphonce Felix Simbu (Tanzania), Agnes Keino (Kenya), Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda), Sutume Asefa Kebede (Ethiopia), Tebello Ramakonga (Lesotho) and Degitu Azimeraw (Ethiopia).

At a pre-race Meet & Greet with the media, newly crowned World Marathon Champion struck a composed note ahead of his 25K debut. “I don’t feel pressure. Running is joy and responsibility—about growth and preparing for bigger challenges,” he said, highlighting the emergence of a new generation in global distance running.

Joining him is Lesotho’s rising star , who set a national marathon record of 2:06:18 earlier this year. Calling the distance “the perfect bridge between the half-marathon and marathon,” Ramakonga said the Kolkata race aligns seamlessly with his long-term ambitions.

Headlining the men’s field is Uganda’s double Olympic champion , returning to India with fond memories. “India is like a second home—my international journey truly began here. To race again and witness the sport’s growth is deeply special,” he remarked.

Kebede Targets Historic Hat-Trick

In the women’s race, Ethiopian ace —a two-time Kolkata winner and the holder of a stand-alone world best for 25K—returns aiming for a rare hat-trick. “My preparation is complete. With confidence and experience, I’m ready to deliver a stronger performance than last year,” she said.

Adding intrigue, Procam International has announced a USD 25,000 World Record bonus, intensifying the pursuit of fast times on Kolkata’s famed flat course. The total prize purse stands at USD 142,214, with the top three finishers in both men’s and women’s races earning USD 15,000, USD 10,000, and USD 7,000 respectively, alongside a USD 5,000 Event Record bonus.

Former champion (2017 winner) and Kenya’s veteran add depth and experience to a fiercely competitive women’s lineup. “I’m grateful to be here. With faith, family support, and my teammates, every race becomes part of my testimony,” said Keino.

Elite Field

Men

1. Joshua Cheptegei (UGA, 1996) – HM PB: 59:21
2. Alphonce Felix Simbu (TAN, 1992) – HM PB: 60:03
3. Haymanot Alew (ETH, 1997) – HM PB: 60:26
4. Tebello Ramakonga (LES, 1996) – HM PB: 60:17
5. Collins Kipkorir (KEN, 2001) – HM PB: 60:23
6. Debebe Teka (ETH, 1998) – HM PB: 61:37
7. Tamru Shifera (ETH, 1998) – HM PB: 60:47
8. Reuben Rono (KEN, 2000) – HM PB: 62:05
9. Fikadu Liche (ETH, 2004) – HM PB: 60:34
10. Anthony Kipchirchir (KEN, 2001) – HM PB: 62:02
11. Wisley Yego (KEN, 1997) – HM PB: 60:32
12. Stephen Kimutai (KEN, 1994) – HM PB: 61:32
13. Niguse Abera (ETH, 2006)

Women

1. Sutume Asefa Kebede (ETH, 1994) – 25K PB: 1:18:47
2. Degitu Azimeraw (ETH, 1999) – 25K PB: 1:22:20
3. Agnes Keino (KEN, 1988) – HM PB: 68:47
4. Demilew Zemenaw (ETH, 2005)
5. Ergat Heshe (ETH, 2006)
6. Mastewal Sile (ETH, 1999)
7. Meselech Alemayehu (ETH, 2006)
8. Aberash Minsewo (ETH, 2001)
9. Kuftu Tahir (ETH, 1995)
10. Tibeb Tafere (ETH, 2006)
11. Netsanet Tafere (ETH, 2002)
12. Rediet Daniel (ETH, 2000)

With champions defending legacies and newcomers chasing breakthroughs, the 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata promises a riveting contest—and potentially record-breaking performances—on one of India’s most celebrated road racing stages.