Defending champion and Newcomers clash for top honours in Tata Steel World 25K – Kolkata/India

Kolkata–19th December 2025: Three of the globally acclaimed runners, all of them venturing into their maiden appearance in the 25K, will fight it out for the top honours here on Sunday (21) at the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race.

Appearing in a „Meet and Greet“ with the media today, the recently crowned World Marathon Champion Alphonce Felix Simbu played it cool by saying, „I don’t feel pressure, I see running as joy and responsibility to represent my country well. With a new generation rising, every race is about growth and preparing for bigger challenges ahead”.

Lesotho’s 29-year-old Tebello Ramakongoana, who earlier this year set a national record of 2:06:18 while runner-up to Ethiopian Dawit Wolde in the Xiamen International Marathon and has run several half-marathons in his career, revealed that he is ready for Sunday’s race. „The 25K is the perfect bridge between the half-marathon and the marathon. Every race prepares me for bigger dreams ahead“, he further stated.

Uganda’s double Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, the top name among the men’s roster, told
„India is like a second home to me, because my international journey truly began here. Coming
back to race and see the sport grow in India is something I deeply celebrate“.

Kebede returns to face a challenge:
Ethiopian Sutume Kebede, who triumphed in the women’s race here twice and set a stand-alone
world best for 25K two years ago, will face some challenge this time to accomplish a hat-trick of
wins.

„I have prepared very well, my training is complete, and with confidence and experience behind
me, I am ready to deliver a stronger performance than last year“, was her reaction to questions
during the press conference.
Procam International, the race promoters, have announced a USD 25,000 bonus to boost the
World Record attempt in Kolkata this year.

With a total prize purse of USD 142,214, the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s
categories will receive USD 15,000, USD 10,000, and USD 7,000, respectively.
Runners will be further incentivised with a USD 5,000 Event Record Bonus. Kebede’s countrymate
Degitu Azimeraw, who won the title here in 2017, along with the Kenyan Agnes Keino, are ready
to make the women’s race enjoyable.

„I am happy to be here, and I believe God will strengthen me on Sunday to run my best. With the
support of my family and teammates, every race becomes part of my testimony. Looking forward
to the experience”, the 37-year-old veteran runner from Kenya said.

Elite Athletes
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) (25KM PB 1:18:47)
2. Degitu Azimeraw (ETH/1999) (25KM 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)

For more details, please contact Procam International:
Neha Kandalgaonkar / Deepak M.Pilankar
neha@procam.in/ deepak@procam.in
Carpe Diem Communique Pvt. Ltd
Dolon Dasbhaumik 9874272071 /Moumita Biswas 8777866266

For more information about the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, log on to
https://tatasteelworld25k.procam.in/
https://www.instagram.com/tsw25k
https://x.com/tsw25k
https://www.facebook.com/tsw25k
https://www.youtube.com/@World25KKolkata

ABOUT PROCAM INTERNATIONAL
Since its inception in 1988, Procam International has been the driving force behind the growth and
development of sports management in India. Founded by the dynamic Singh brothers Anil and Vivek, Procam is India’s premier sports management company and is involved in live events, sports consultancy, and live television production.

With astute planning and exemplary execution, Procam has a track record of conceptualising and promoting over 100 international events, across the disciplines of Powerboat Racing, Cricket, Football, Tennis, Distance Running, Squash, WWE, Horse Racing, Volleyball, among others. These events have elicited participation of the highest calibre of athletes and huge public interest and attendance.

Pioneers of the distance running movement in India, Procam International’s Big 4 – Tata Mumbai Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Consultancy Services World 10K and Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata— are global leaders in their respective distances. They have ushered in a running revolution that has helped redefine the health, fitness, and ‘giving’ paradigm of our country.

website: https://procam.in

Ram. Murali Krishnan – Running India News Service