With Procam’s success in promoting distance running across North, South, and West India, the City of Joy was the natural next step to bring the magic of participative sport to the East. While Kolkata has long been a hub for spectator sports like football, hockey, tennis, and cricket, participative running was a distant thought. In 2014, the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K began by harnessing Indian running talent, providing a platform for both professional and amateur runners. Over the years, the event captured the imagination of the people, becoming a catalyst for change. With race categories like the 25K, 10K, Ananda Run, Champions with Disability, and the Senior Citizen’s Run, the event offers a stage for everyone, regardless of age or ability. In 2017, the race went international, bringing world-class distance running to the East and offering Indian athletes a chance to compete against global talent. The event became the world’s first AIMS and World Athletics Silver Label 25K. Legends like Kenenisa Bekele, Leonard Barsoton, Daniel Ebenyo, and top Indian athletes like Sudha Singh and Avinash Sable have graced this event. Today, Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has redefined health, fitness, inclusion, sustainability, and philanthropy in West Bengal. It has firmly established itself as the city’s premier participative sporting festival and has nurtured the running ecosystem in the Northeast Region. The 2023 edition saw over 17,500 participants, and Daniel Simiu Ebenyo shattered the men’s stand-alone World’s Best time for the 25KM distance. The 2024 race, now elevated to World Athletics Gold Label status—the first Gold Label 25K globally—promises an even bigger, better experience. With a prize pool of USD 142,214, the world’s fastest runners and enthusiastic amateurs will take to the streets on December 15, 2024, for East India’s biggest sporting celebration. Join us as we celebrate the spirit and energy of Kolkata, bringing the community together to make a positive impact!
