News Desk, News Nation 360 : On Sunday, December 15, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, the world's first World Athletics Gold Label 25 K Race, will see reigning winners Daniel Ebenyo (Kenya) and Sutume Kebede (Ethiopia) return to defend their crowns. With a time of 1:11:13, Daniel Ebenyo also holds the current event record in the men's category, while Sutume Kebede holds the women's record with a time of 1:18:47. The #AamarKolkataShonarKolkata race promises to be an exciting event, with some of the world's best athletes competing for a prize pool of US $142,214. The event offers equal prize money for men and women, and the top three finishers in each category will receive substantial rewards. There is also an Event Record Bonus of US $5,000 to encourage exceptional performances. Interestingly, Desi Jisa of Bahrain and 2022 champion has been announced to take part once more. This young runner boasts some amazing performances; not so long ago, she came third in the World Cross-country Championships, while her previous major marathon achievements are some podium places. Notable performers include Ethiopia's Degitu Azimeraw, winner of the last edition of the championship and the recent champion of the Barcelona Marathon and her compatriot Alemaddis Eyayu, a champion of the 2023 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. Kenya's Viola Chepngeno and Ethiopia's Shintayehu Lewetegn, a World Cross-country bronze medalist, are included in the
list. The men's category will be keenly contested, with Daniel Ebenyo looking to break his own 25K record and challenge Eliud Kipchoge's world record. Kenya's Benson Kipruto is the champion of the Tokyo Marathon, while Ethiopia's Haymanot Alew is a strong contender to shine at the event. Uganda's Stephen Kissa and young promising Ethiopian Diriba Girma also form part of the depth in the race. Such a great and envious lineup is set to make the 2024 Kolkata race one of the toughest and most thrilling races. More than 20,000 amateur runners from India and around the world will run in the ninth edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata. The elite race boasts an excellent lineup for both men and women. Some of the favourites for the men's race are Daniel Ebenyo, Benson Kipruto, Stephen Kissa, and Haymanot Alew. A few promising young athletes are making their debut: Diriba Girma and Alazar Tefera are two of them. For women, Sutume Kebede, Degitu Azimeraw, Desi Jisa, and Viola Chepngeno are likely to be the top contenders. So it's going to be a thrilling affair for Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata with this list of talent.
Pic - Courtesy
