World-Class Athletes Gear Up for Tata Steel Kolkata 25K

The Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, one of India's most anticipated running festivals and a prestigious World Athletics Elite Label Road Race, is set to take place on Sunday December 17, 2023. The event, which attracts runners from around the world, will be headlined by Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Kenyan Daniel Simiyu Ebenyo. Yehualaw, who holds the world record in the women's 10K category, will grace the women's competition, while two-time world championship silver medallist Ebenyo will compete in the men's category. The presence of these accomplished athletes will make the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K an even more thrilling and captivating event.

• Tata Steel Kolkata 25K Live Stream Details

The event, tagged as #AamarKolkataAamarRun, is set to host world-class athletes vying for the US $100,000 prize pool. Both male and female winners will receive equal prize amounts, with the top three finishers in each category winning $7500, $5000, and $3500 respectively. Additionally, an Event Record Bonus of US $3,000 will be awarded for new records.

Currently, the event records are held by Leonard Barsoton of Kenya (1:12:49) in the men’s category and Bahrain’s Desi Jisa (1:21:04) in the women’s category.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw, making her debut in the 25K, is a notable athlete to watch. She set the 10km world record (29:14) in 2022 at the Castellón 10K, a World Athletics Label Road race. Yehualaw also holds the second-fastest time in the half marathon globally, with a record of 1:03:51 set in 2021.

The London Marathon 2022 saw Yehualaw emerge as the youngest-ever female winner. She expressed excitement about competing in Kolkata, aiming for a fast run at the TSK 25K. Her main competitors include teammate Anchinalu Dessie and Kenya's Betty Chepkemoi Kibet, along with Ethiopia’s Emebet Niguse and Uganda's Mercyline Chelangat.

Daniel Simiyu Ebenyo of Kenya, with two world championship silver medals in 2023, will make his 25K debut in Kolkata. His main rivals are fellow Kenyans Roncer Kipkorir Konga and Bernard Biwott, both with impressive half marathon records.

The men's field also includes Eritrean marathon national record-holder Hiske Tewelde, a contender to watch.

Vivek Singh, Joint MD of Procam International, highlighted the event's growth and the elite lineup, emphasizing the exposure it provides to Indian distance runners.

The event promises exciting competition and potential record-breaking performances along the Hooghly River on December 17, 2023.

Elite Field for the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2023

Men:

1. Daniel Ebenyo (Kenya)
2. Eric Kiptanui (Kenya)
3. Roncer Konga (Kenya)
4. Bernard Biwott (Kenya)
5. Abe Gashahun (Ethiopia)
6. Victor Kipruto Togom (Kenya)
7. Hiskel Tewelde (Eritrea)
8. Afewerki Berhane (Eritrea)
9. Jackson Kipleting (Kenya)
10. Mulugeta Debasu (Ethiopia)
11. Victor Chumo (Kenya) (Pacer)

Women:

1. Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia)
2. Anchinalu Dessie (Ethiopia)
3. Betty Chepkemoi Kibet (Kenya)
4. Sutume Asefa Kebede (Ethiopia)
5. Mercyline Chelangat (Uganda)
6. Tsige Haileslase (Ethiopia)
7. Aberash Minsewo (Ethiopia)
8. Emebet Niguse (Ethiopia)
9. Nelly Jeptoo (Kenya)
10. Luuk Maas (Netherlands) (Pacer)