East India’s biggest running festival just got bigger. It will now have a virtual run alongside the on-ground
VIDA, Impact 360 and The LaLiT Great Eastern are on board as new partners
Staff Reporter : Kolkata, 18th. September, 2024. East India’s biggest participative sporting celebration adorns a new avatar. The City of Joy will now host the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Race —Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata. The world’s richest 25K, with prize money of USD 142,214, will witness some of the fastest athletes alongside amateurs on Sunday, December 15th, 2024, line-up on Red Road.
Procam International, today announced that the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata registration for the on-ground and virtual run will commence on September 19, 2024, IST 7:00 am onwards at https://tatasteelworld25k.procam.in/.
The World Athletics Gold Label has been accorded to Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata based on stringent criteria, including organizational excellence, a world-class elite field, equal prize money for male and female runners, extensive medical support system, live television coverage for the race, media facilities, timing mats on the course, a clear sanitized route, and an AIMS certified course to ensure a pleasant running experience for all participants.
Commenting on the occasion, Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said: “At Tata Steel, we have always believed in the power of sports to unite and inspire communities. The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, now a prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Race, is not just a race but a celebration of resilience, fitness, and togetherness. This recognition affirms the race’s world-class standards, attracting elite athletes and showcasing Kolkata on the global stage. It is an honour to witness the city embrace this event year after year, and we are committed to making this edition even more memorable by encouraging participation from across all segments of society.”
Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has redefined the health, fitness, inclusion, sustainability and giving paradigm in West Bengal.
In a short span of eight years, running has been firmly rooted as the fastest-growing sport in the region. There has been a steady increase in participation across the timed categories and an over 270% increase in women’s participation. Moreover, with a carefully curated flat course and favourable weather, Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has some of the fastest timings in the world. At the 2023 edition, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo clocked 1hr.11mins:13secs, to break the men’s stand-alone World’s Best time ever in the 25Km distance.
Besides this, the race has also provided a platform for Indian athletes to compete with the best. It has birthed the running ecosystem in the Northeast Region, with a 1700% growth in timed events from 2014 -2022; today, there are more than 75 races across the region, with 48 in West Bengal alone. The event has strengthened the bond with civil society, brought the community together for social good, and raised INR 4.39 crores for philanthropic causes.
HIGHLIGHTS 2024
Legendary cricketer Jhulan Goswami, along with actress Koushani Mukherjee, will continue as the Ratnas for this edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata.
Witnessing this running festival from close quarters has been a wonderful experience. I am looking forward to the Ananda Run, which will display a colourful carnival of the city’s people in vibrant costumes, bringing focus to a cause close to their hearts. I’ll be cheering for you at the start line,” said Koushani Mukherjee.
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