Global Athletes Gear Up for Thrilling Kolkata 25K Challenge

The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata will feature over 23,000 global runners on December 21, aiming for better world standings. Headliners include Joshua Cheptegei and Sutume Asefa Kebede. Participants compete for a prize purse of USD 142,214, with bonuses for breaking records.

The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata is set to attract more than 23,000 participants globally, with elite runners like Joshua Cheptegei from Uganda leading the pack. Cheptegei, known for his Olympic accomplishments and world records in the 10,000m, aims to make his 25K debut an unforgettable one.

Among the athletes, Uganda's Cheptegei and Ethiopia's defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede stand as top contenders vying to surpass current records at the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. A substantial prize purse of USD 142,214, along with a USD 25,000 bonus for breaking the 1:11:08 benchmark, awaits the winners.

High-profile participants, including Alphonce Felix Simbu from Tanzania and Ethiopian runners Haymanot Alew and Tebello Ramakongoana, are prepared to offer stiff competition. The women's race promises intense rivalry with Ethiopian Sutume Asefa Kebede, defending her title against formidable rivals like Ugandan Sarah Chelangat and Kenyan Agnes Keino.

(With inputs from agencies.)