Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata Embarks on a New Decade of Possibilities


Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency,  Kolkata, August 12, 2026: The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata is stepping into a new decade, celebrating a remarkable journey that has brought together champions, communities and thousands of inspiring stories under the spirit of “Aamar Kolkata. Shonar Kolkata.”

Promoted by Procam International, the World’s First World Athletics Gold Label 25K will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2026, with the race starting from the iconic Red Road.

The 11th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata will open registrations for both physical and virtual races on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. IST.

Over the past decade, the event has grown beyond a sporting competition to become a movement that has encouraged healthier lifestyles, strengthened communities and inspired more women to take up running. It has also contributed to the culture of giving and enhanced Kolkata’s position as an international sporting destination.

Dr. Indranil Khan, Honourable Minister, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal, said that Bengal has immense sporting talent across regions and that providing young athletes with world-class opportunities, infrastructure and professional coaching is essential. He highlighted the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata as an important platform that allows young sportspersons to witness international sporting excellence and aspire to compete at the highest level.

Shankar Ghosh, Honourable Minister-In-Charge, Department of Tourism and Parliamentary Affairs, said that the event has given Kolkata a new spirit and a presence on the global sporting platform. He welcomed athletes and participants from across India and the world and assured the event of the state government's support.

D. B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said that the success of the event should not be measured only by participation but by the culture it creates. According to him, over the last decade, the race has evolved into an institution representing the aspirations of a healthier, more confident and connected India.

Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank, described the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata as a celebration of determination, community spirit and personal progress. He said that discipline, consistency and informed choices are essential for meaningful achievements in health, life and financial wellbeing.

Adding further inspiration to the event, Padma Shri Bhaichung Bhutia said that running teaches discipline, determination and resilience. He encouraged more youngsters to take up sport, challenge themselves and draw inspiration from the international athletes participating in the race.

Popular youth icon Swastika Dutta said the event celebrates people, families and communities coming together. She expressed happiness at seeing more women participate every year and embrace healthier lifestyles, adding that she was proud to be associated with an event that reflects Kolkata’s warmth and inclusive spirit.

AMARON Joins as Powered By Partner

AMARON, the flagship brand of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility, has joined the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata as the Powered By Partner.

The association celebrates the shared values of endurance, preparation and consistency. Anshika Dhawan, Chief Marketing Officer, Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd., said that long-distance running is built around preparation and endurance, values that strongly resonate with the company.

Air India Express Comes On Board as Airline Partner

Air India Express, a Tata Group airline and wholly owned subsidiary of Air India Limited, has joined the event as the Airline Partner.

The airline has introduced a special Runner’s Passport initiative under the campaign “Run CCU, Fly Xpress.” Participants can avail of flight discounts of up to 20% by using the code RUNCCU on the Air India Express website or app.

On Race Day, Air India Express will also provide baggage management services to help runners focus on their race.

PLAYSCAPE: More Than an Expo

The event will also feature PLAYSCAPE, a first-of-its-kind expo platform celebrating movement, wellness, innovation, lifestyle and community.

Conceptualised by Procam International in partnership with Exhibetter Global, PLAYSCAPE aims to bring together runners, brands, businesses, creators and communities as part of India’s growing active-living ecosystem.

Special Experiences for Runners

Medal of Steel: Every 25K finisher will receive a specially crafted ‘Medal of Steel’, made from Tata Steel metal and symbolising strength, grit and determination.

Debutantes: First-time participants will receive a specially designed Race Bib to mark the beginning of their running journey.

Home Run Squad: Families with at least four confirmed participants across any race category will receive a personalised digital photo frame featuring their race-day moment.

Good for Youth & Good for Silver: Special registration windows have been introduced for participants aged 18–21 years and those aged 65 years and above in the 25K and 10K categories.

Registration Details

On-ground registrations for the 25K, Open 10K, Ananda Run, Senior Citizen Run and Champions with Disability Run will open on August 13, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. and close on November 27, 2026, or once running places are filled.

Participants registering for the 25K will be required to submit a valid timing certificate. Limited entries have also been reserved in the 25K and Open 10K categories to encourage greater participation by women.

Virtual Run registrations for the 25K, Open 10K and 5K will open on August 13 at 7:00 a.m. and remain open until December 11, 2026, or until places are filled.

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has come to represent the sporting soul of Kolkata over the past decade. As running continues to grow rapidly across India, the event has become a symbol of the Fit India movement and a celebration of community.

The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata is supported by the Government of West Bengal, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Indian Army–Eastern Command and Bengal Sub-Area, Sports Authority of India, Athletic Federation of India, West Bengal Athletics Association, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Kolkata Police, World Athletics and other sporting and administrative bodies.


Tags: