Cheptegei Headlines Landmark 10th Edition of Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata

Posted by: Watch Athletics

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata is set for a historic celebration as the race marks its 10th edition on Sunday, December 21, 2025, welcoming more than 23,000 runners from across the globe. Promoted by Procam International, the event continues to strengthen Kolkata’s reputation as one of the world’s fastest road-running cities, proudly celebrating #ADecadeOfDifference.

Headlining the elite field is double Olympic champion and triple world champion Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, who will make his 25km debut on the streets of Kolkata. The women’s race will see defending champion and world-record holder Sutume Asefa Kebede return in pursuit of an unprecedented hat-trick of victories.

World Record Bonus Raises the Stakes

In a significant boost to elite competition, Procam International has announced a USD 25,000 bonus for any athlete who breaks the 25km world record of 1:11:08, underlining Kolkata’s reputation for producing historically fast times. The total prize purse stands at USD 142,214, with equal prize money for men and women. The top three finishers will earn USD 15,000, USD 10,000, and USD 7,000, respectively, while an additional USD 5,000 event-record bonus is also on offer.

Cheptegei Set for Kolkata Debut

At 29, Cheptegei arrives in Kolkata with one of the most decorated résumés in distance running history. A three-time world champion in the 10,000m, former holder of four world records, and current world-record holder over 5000m and 10,000m, the Ugandan star has already demonstrated his road-running prowess with victories at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and the TCS World 10K Bengaluru.

“I love racing in India,” Cheptegei said. “I want to give my best in my maiden venture in Kolkata.”

Strong Men’s Field Promises High-Quality Racing

Cheptegei will face formidable opposition, led by Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, whose dramatic marathon victory at the World Championships in Tokyo saw him edge Germany’s Amanal Petros by just three-hundredths of a second.

Also in contention are Ethiopia’s Haymanot Alew, fourth in Kolkata’s epic 2023 race before finishing third at the 2024 Berlin Marathon in 2:03:31, and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, runner-up at this year’s Xiamen Marathon. With depth across the field, the men’s race promises to be fiercely contested from start to finish.

Asefa Eyes Hat-Trick in Women’s Race

Ethiopian star Sutume Asefa Kebede returns to Kolkata chasing a third consecutive victory. Kebede first set the 25km world record in Berlin in 2015 and then produced another historic performance in Kolkata in 2023, clocking 1:18:47.

She will be challenged by compatriot Degitu Azimeraw, the 2017 Kolkata champion, as well as Ugandan Olympic finalist Sarah Chelangat, winner of this year’s TCS World 10K Bengaluru, and Kenya’s Agnes Keino.

After winning the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year, Kebede endured a disappointing World Championships outing at the same venue, finishing 27th. Kolkata now offers her the perfect opportunity to close the season on a high.

“I am thrilled to make my third appearance in Kolkata,” Kebede said. “With such an exciting field, I am confident I can improve my timing this year.”

A Decade of Excellence

“The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata celebrates its milestone 10th edition this year,” said Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International. “With world-class athletes like Joshua Cheptegei and Alphonce Felix Simbu leading the elite field, Kolkata is poised for another thrilling and fast race.”

The race will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 1 HD from 5:30 a.m. IST on December 21.

Elite Fields

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 Ramakongoana (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
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
Niguse Abera (ETH, 2006)

Women

Sutume Asefa Kebede (ETH, 1994) – 25km PB: 1:18:47
Degitu Azimeraw (ETH, 1999) – 25km PB: 1:22:20
Agnes Keino (KEN, 1988) – HM PB: 1:08:47
Demilew Zemenaw (ETH, 2005)
Ergat Heshe (ETH, 2006)
Mastewal Sile (ETH, 1999)
Hawi Worku (ETH, 2006) – PB: 1:11:51
Meselech Alemayehu (ETH, 2006)
Aberash Minsewo (ETH, 2001)
Kuftu Tahir (ETH, 1995)
Tibeb Tafere (ETH, 2006)