Uganda’s long distance runner Joshua Cheptegei earned gold in the 25KM category during the men’s 2025 Tata Steel World Marathon in Kolkata city, Eastern India on Sunday, 21st December 2025.
Cheptegei, a two-time Olympic champion stamped his authority early, dictating the pace from the flag-off and never relinquishing control.
He won the race with a time of 01:11:49 ahead of Tanzanian Alphonce Simbu (01:11:56).
Tebello Ramakongoana took bronze with 01:11:59.
Winning mattered more than the record for me. Coming back to Kolkata and winning is special for me. I have won in Bangalore, and this was a big race with world-class athletes. This victory gives me confidence and positivity as I prepare for my next marathon.
Joshua Cheptegei
In the female category; Degitu Azimeraw was the victor with 01:19:36.
Sutume Kebede won silver with 01:20:28 and Meselech Alemayehu (01:20:48).
In the same category; Gulveer Singh was the outstanding Indian with a new national record of 01:12:06 and Seema won the female category among the Indian 01:26:04.
The Tata Steel World 25KM Kolkata is the world’s 1st Gold Label 25K and arguably the biggest participative sporting event in East India.