An exciting challenge awaits renowned athletes as they gear up for the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata. The star-studded lineup includes World marathon champion Alphonce Simbu, Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, and defending women's champion Sutume Kebede. But this year's race promises to be a tough one, with a significantly more challenging course than previous years. The route, featuring a steep incline and approximately 50% more elevation change than usual, includes two bridges, adding an extra layer of complexity. This includes a 1:11.08 world record bonus, which will be a tough target for all contenders.
Simbu, known for his exceptional marathon skills, will aim to showcase his prowess on this new terrain. Cheptegei, transitioning from track to road racing, seeks to solidify his reputation in a country he loves. The race also features Tebello Ramakongoana, a seventh-place finisher at the Paris Olympics, who is eager to make a mark in the World Athletics Gold Label event, offering a substantial prize pool of $142,214. However, the course's difficulty may present a unique challenge for him.
Kebede, the defending champion, is determined to achieve a hat-trick of wins and claim the event's record bonus of $5,000. She will face stiff competition from her Ethiopian compatriot Degitu Azimeraw and Kenyan Agnes Keino. The race also includes Asian 5,000m and 10,000m champion Gulveer Singh and Sanjivani Jadhav, defending their titles in the Indian category. Other top runners like Sawan Barwal, Abhishek Pal, Lili Das, and Seema will also be in action, adding to the excitement.
With over 23,000 participants, the event will award substantial prizes to the top amateur runners in both men's and women's sections across various age groups. The race will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 1 HD and SD from 5:30 a.m., providing an opportunity for viewers to witness the thrilling competition and the determination of these athletes to conquer the challenging course.
