Kolkata 25K ups prize purse, confirms live t'cast

tata steel kolkata marathon

KOLKATA: The fourth edition of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, promoted by Procam International, will this year focus on a strong international elite field with road runners and specialists for this distance taking the start-line. 

This year's event, which will be run here on December 17, boasts a raised prize purse of $100,000 and will for the first time be telecast live on TV, the organisers announced here Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chanakya Chaudhary, Group director, Corporate Communication & Regulatory Affairs, Tata Steel, said: "TSK25 has grown from strength to strength ever since we launched the run three years ago. The enthusiastic support we have received from the people of this city has prompted us to make the event more inclusive and global. This year will be the first international edition of TSK25. It will also be the first-ever 'International' running competition in Kolkata. It is not only an opportunity for running enthusiasts to compete with international runners but also for fitness enthusiasts to be part of the first-ever International run in Kolkata." 

To mark the occasion of TSK25 "turning international", Procam announced world long jump record holder Mike Powell as international ambassador for the event. 

New sponsors

This year two new brands have extended their association with the event. India’s leading mineral water brand Bisleri has come on board as the hydration partner and Harmony as institution partner.

As the hydration partner across all Procam races, Bisleri has extended their association with the TSK25K. Bisleri will be responsible for all water requirements of the runners participating in the event and will set up water stations across the course to ensure that they are well hydrated. 

"Associating with Procam International gives us an ideal platform to connect with the consumers, educate them about the importance of right hydration and let our consumers know that we care for their health, Anjana Ghosh, director, Marketing, Bisleri International Pvt Ltd, noted.

Harmony-Celebrate Age is the flagship initiative of Tina Ambani’s Harmony for Silvers Foundation. The lifestyle and empowerment publication for people above 55 has the stated aim of promoting active, independent ageing in every sphere. The Senior Citizens’ Runs supported by Harmony at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and TCS World 10K Bengaluru have become calendar events for the seniors and now, Harmony has come on board as an institutional partner to support the category at the TSK 25K as well.

PUMA’s Shoe Collection Initiative 

Under this initiative, starting November 2017, customers can drop their used shoes at PUMA stores across 12 cities. These can be sports/casual shoes of any brand but should be in a condition such that the recipient can use it.  All the collected shoes will be given to Goonj, a social enterprise focused to work on improving accessibility to basic needs like clothing, education and sanitary pads. 

All the 25K confirmed participants will get the exclusive PUMA Race Day Tee, while the first 825 male finishers and 150 female finishers in the Open 10K will receive PUMA Finishers Tee.

Abhishek Ganguly, MD, PUMA India, said, “We are excited to be associated with Tata Steel Kolkata 25K for the third time. Running has immense potential in India, and we want to do everything we can to nurture this ecosystem. Associations such as these are in line with our pursuit of encouraging more people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. 

Vivek Singh, Jt MD, Procam International, said: “We are pleased to take TSK 25K to the international level in only its fourth year. This was possible because of the enthusiasm we have seen from the people and the way the event has grown. We would like to extend our gratitude to Tata Steel for putting faith in our vision along with other partners who have stood by us through this journey. We would also like to acknowledge the state government’s undying support and help given by sports bodies, civic authorities, police and other law enforcement agencies. We hope this December 17 will be remembered as a red letter day in the sporting history of East India.”