One of India’s biggest Running Festivals, the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K is here

One of India’s biggest Running Festivals, the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K is here!

World Athletics Elite Label Race scheduled for 18th Dec;

Registrations commence on 25th Sept 2022

IDFC FIRST Bank enters the running ecosystem as Associate Sponsor; United Way Kolkata as Philanthropy Partner

Kolkata, September 26: Kolkata will reverberate with the collective energy of thousands of runners once again, as the city laces up for the much-anticipated Tata Steel Kolkata 25K (TSK 25K) to be flagged off from the iconic Red Road on Sunday, 18th December 2022.

Bengal’s very own TSK 25K, which sparked a running revolution in eastern India, is a celebration of humanity that is etched in the city’s ethos. This year, the event takes on a larger meaning of hope, faith, and belief that things will get better from here. #NotunJoshNotunRun

Procam International, pioneers of distance running in India, today announced that the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K registration across all five race categories will commence on September 25, 2022, IST 7:00 a.m. onwards at tatasteelkolkata25k.procam.in/

TSK 25K is supported by the Government of West Bengal, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the Indian Army – Eastern Command and Bengal Sub-Area, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and the Kolkata Police. The event will be conducted under the auspices of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and the aegis of the West Bengal Athletics Association (WBAA) and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Aroop Biswas, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Power, Government of West Bengal, said: “Tata Steel Kolkata 25K played a pivotal role in kick-starting the running revolution in eastern India. A symbol of pride and camaraderie, I urge the citizens of Bengal to take up a healthy lifestyle through running and be a part of the upcoming 7th edition of the TSK 25K to be staged in the heart of Kolkata.”

Lt. General Rana Pratap Kalita UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC–in–C, Eastern Command, Fort William, said, “Tata Steel Kolkata 25K promotes fitness, and encourages the youth of today towards a fitter India. Running has been the forte of Indian Armed forces for a long time and this event is very close to our hearts. Vijay Diwas on 16th December is milestone in the history of India army in the honour of this Victory it is a privilege for us to host the Vijay Diwas Trophy as part of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K. I would like to thank Tata Steel, IDFC FIRST Bank and all other partners for promoting this sporting event.”

MEDAL OF STEEL — It takes hardiness and steely resolve to complete 25K, and to salute this resolute spirit, every finisher in this category will receive a Medal of Steel — uniquely crafted by title sponsor Tata Steel. Steel is a symbol of grit and strength — aspects that are tested in distance running.

Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President (Corporate Services), Tata Steel Limited, said, “We are delighted to announce that TSK25k is back on the road after a break of two years due to the pandemic. As the first run in its category to be certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races in India, TSK25k has grown to become one of the most important events in our country’s running calendar for all who are passionate about health and fitness. For Tata Steel, promoting sports and cultivating sporting talent is an integral part of our ethos. TSK25k holds special significance as it is the biggest run of its kind in east India that welcomes professional and amateur runners from around the world. It is one of our largest community engagements in our annual sporting calendar, and we are certain that this year’s event will take TSK25k to even greater heights.”

IDFC FIRST BANK will join Tata Steel Kolkata 25K for the first time as an exclusive Associate Sponsor. This fast-growing technology-led bank looks to expand its footprint in eastern India with this event.

Amit Sinha, Country Head – Branch Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “We are thrilled to be the Exclusive Associate Sponsor of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, an event that celebrates the vitality of Kolkata and a return to running for many. The sponsorship of marathons across the country and especially in Kolkata underlines IDFC FIRST Bank’s commitment to touch the lives of millions of people in a positive way. As a bank that supports millions of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups, we believe in enabling customers to make new beginnings, be it their first home loan or an education loan or opening a savings account to build a bright future.

“In line with that thought, our theme for the TSK 25K Kolkata is #Journeytothestart. We believe that the Kolkata 25K is a #Journeytothestart for thousands of inspired first-time runners and we are excited to be part of their first run. From the day runners register, IDFC FIRST Bank will be pulling out all stops to ensure that the race is an amazing experience for the running community.”

Since its inception the TSK 25K has become synonymous with philanthropy, drawing attention to the social service sector. Today, the event is one of India’s largest sporting philanthropy platforms, changing lives for the better.

Consolidating this legacy, UNITED WAY KOLKATA (UWK), a branch of United Way India, which is affiliated with the global United Way Network, the world’s largest privately funded non-profit organization, has joined hands with the event as its Philanthropy Partner.

Speaking about the association, Dinesh Agarwal, Chairperson, United Way Kolkata, said, “United Way Kolkata is delighted to come aboard as Official Philanthropy Partner for the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2022. This organic partnership shall go a long way to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good, via a vast network of NGOs, individual fundraisers, and corporates. In the post-pandemic scenario, there is a collective realization of the need for renewed compassion toward the community, which has encouraged people from different walks of life to get together, collaborate, and contribute in a meaningful way. Fundraising through Tata Steel Kolkata 25K is an innovative and creative step in this direction, and helps build a strong network of supporters and volunteers that believe in giving back to society, to support NGOs and their causes.”

The USD 100,000 prize money fund race in the unique 25K distance is a step up from the half marathon to the classic distance. The other categories are the open 10K, considered the first milestone in distance running, the Ananda Run (4.2 km), a colorful carnival to experience the many facets of Kolkata, and the Senior Citizens’ Run (2.3 km), which sees silvers rule the road, and the Champions with Disability (2.3 km), which supports inclusivity and provides the opportunity for all to take centre stage.

Vivek Singh, Jt. MD, Procam International, said: “The Tata Steel Kolkata 25K is a sign of aspiration and renewed hope. As we launch the registrations for this 7th edition, our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, the city authorities, and the running community who have wholeheartedly supported us, to make the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, the biggest sporting event in the region. A special welcome to IDFC FIRST Bank as our Associate Sponsor and United Way Kolkata as Philanthropy Partner. Together we shall showcase the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.”

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registrations for all categories — 25K, open 10K, Ananda Run (4.2 km), Senior Citizens’ Run (2.3 km), and Champions with Disability (2.3 km) — will commence on September 25, 2022, IST 7:00 a.m onwards at tatasteelkolkata25k.procam.in and will stay open until November 30, IST 11:59 p.m., or till running places are filled, whichever is earlier.

To encourage women’s participation, there are a limited number of spots reserved in both the 25K and open 10K races.

All applicants and confirmed participants of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2022 are requested to visit the event website https:// tatasteelkolkata25k.procam.in for regular updates.

Confirmed 25K participants will receive a race day tee-shirt from the event’s Sportswear Partner T10 Sports, while the fastest 500 men and women runners in the open 10K category will receive a finishers tee-shirt from T10 Sports.

Health Mandatories to participate in Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2022

Individuals who are fully vaccinated (at least two doses) with COVID-19 vaccines approved by WHO, can apply for the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2022. The final vaccination certificate must be uploaded while applying for the race.