Gulveer Singh, Seema Shatter Course Records at Tata Steel 25K

Cheptegei Claims Maiden Title; Azimeraw Dethrones Defending Champion in Kolkata

Key Points:

• Gulveer Singh breaks Indian record with 1:12:06, slicing two minutes off mark
• Seema erases eight-year Indian women’s record, clocking 1:26:04 finish
• Joshua Cheptegei wins international elite men’s race in commanding performance

KOLKATA – The 10th edition of Tata Steel World 25K delivered record-breaking performances as Indian distance runners rewrote course history on December 21.

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei dominated the international elite men’s race. The double Olympic champion controlled the pace from start. He finished in 1:11:49 to claim his maiden title.

Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Siumbu secured second place in 1:11:56. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana finished third with 1:11:59. The trio maintained a close pack throughout. However, they remained level at 15km and 20km marks.

Cheptegei pulled away in the final four kilometers. He matched others at 1:00:49 at the half-marathon distance. The champion fell short of Daniel Simiu Ebenyo’s 2023 record.

“Winning mattered more than the record for me,” Cheptegei said. He added that returning to Kolkata felt special. The victory boosts his confidence for upcoming marathons.

Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw dethroned defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede. She led from start to finish. Moreover, Azimeraw clocked 1:19:36 in her third Kolkata appearance.

Sutume settled for second place in 1:20:28. Meselech Alemayehu completed an Ethiopian podium sweep. She finished in 1:20:48 for third position.

Azimeraw controlled the race from flag-off. She led at every checkpoint by seconds. The gap widened to a minute by 22km. Additionally, she finished 500 meters ahead of her closest rival.

“It wasn’t the plan before for me,” Azimeraw said. Her legs felt stiff initially. However, they improved after 10km, allowing her to build speed.

Gulveer Singh delivered a commanding performance in Indian elite category. He sliced more than two minutes off his own record. The Asian long-distance double gold medallist finished in 1:12:06.

His previous mark of 1:14:10 stood since 2024. Harmanjot Singh claimed second in 1:15:11. Furthermore, Sawan Barwal secured third position with 1:15:25.

Gulveer led by a minute from 15km mark. The gap increased to two minutes gradually. He reached 21.1km at 1:00:58, compared to Harmanjot’s 1:03:17.

“Records aren’t created just like that,” Gulveer said. He emphasized consistency and dedicated coaching. Diet, workout, and rest remain his focus. India is rising step by step.

Seema dominated the Indian elite women’s category convincingly. The Asian Cross-country Champion stopped the clock at 1:26:04. She shattered Suriya L’s 2017 record of 1:26:53.

Sanjivani Jadhav finished second in 1:30:34. The gap exceeded four minutes between positions. In addition, Nirmaben Thakor took third in 1:32:02.

Seema led Sanjivani by a minute at 10km. Her advantage grew to ninety seconds at 15km. By 20km mark, she led by over two minutes. The gap reached three minutes at 21.1km.

“The course route has been changed,” Seema noted. She came prepared to win. The course became more challenging this year.

Seema targets qualification for Asian and Commonwealth Games. Discipline and sacrifice remain essential for athletes. Her victory demonstrated superior technical preparation.

The event showcased India’s distance running progress. Jamshedpur Road Runners participated in the marathon. The race day T-shirt was launched earlier. Sol Campbell served as international event ambassador.

Indian Navy 1 won the Vijay Diwas Trophy. The team finished in 4:00:40 timing. Indian Army 1 secured second place in 4:01:15. Police Cup Men Team 13 claimed victory in 37:11. Police Cup Women Team 14 won in 56:39.