Three of the world’s top distance runners will be debuting over the 25-kilometre distance at the 2026 TaTa Steel World 25K Kolkata. The 10th edition is a World Athletics gold label race.

Appearing in a meet and greet event with the media, 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.”

Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025-International top Elite athletes at the Iconic Victoria Memorial (L to R), Alphonce Felix Simbu (Tanzania); Agnes Keino (Kenya); Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda); Sutume Asefa Kebede (Ethiopia); Tebello Ramakonga (Lesotho) and Degitu Azimeraw (Ethiopia).

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 olde 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 added.

Uganda’s double Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, the top name among the men’s roster, said, “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 record 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,” she shared.

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 incentivized with a USD 5,000 Event Record Bonus. Kebede’s fellow Ethiopian, 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

Seeded 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
  14. Sutume Asefa Kebede (ETH/1994) (25KM PB 1:18:47)
  15. Degitu Azimeraw (ETH/1999) (25KM PB 1:22:20)
  16. Agnes Keino (KEN/1988) (HM PB 68:47)
  17. Demilew Zemenaw (ETH/2005)
  18. Ergat Heshe (ETH/2006)
  19. Mastewal Sile (ETH/1999)
  20. Meselech Alemayehu (ETH/2006)
  21. Aberash Minsewo (ETH/ 2001)
  22. Kuftu Tahir (ETH/1995)
  23. Tibeb Tafere (ETH/2006)
  24. Netsanet Tafere (ETH/2002)
  25. Rediet Daniel (ETH/ 2000)

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