Convincing wins for Uganda’s Cheptegei and Ethiopia’s Degitu

Uganda’s 5,000m and 10,000m World Record holder Joshua Cheptegei and Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw convincingly took the men’s and women’s crowns, while Gulveer Singh and Seema, the best home runners, rewrote Indian event records in the 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata here on Sunday.

In his ‘second home,’ double Olympic champion Cheptegei clocked 1:11:49 to beat current World marathon champion Alphonce Simbu for a prize-money of $15,000.

Degitu Azimeraw from Ethiopia claims the overall women’s title in the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025 on Sunday 21, December 2025.
| Photo Credit:
DEBASISH BHADURI

Degitu, meanwhile, timed 1:19:36 to spoil Sutume Kebede’s plans for a hat-trick of titles. She reclaimed the top spot after eight years.

Following a pre-dawn start, Cheptegei maintained his place among the leaders before clinically steering clear in the final stages. “This victory gives me confidence for my next marathon,” said Cheptegei.

Defying stiff legs, Degitu led the race at the 10km, 15km and 20km marks before taking a decisive lead around 22km.

10000m and 5000m National record holder and new event record holder Gulveer finishes in the Tata Steel World 25K on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
DEBASISH BHADURI

Gulveer timed 1:12:06 despite an altered and challenging course. He kept pace with the leading pack of east African runners till 40-odd minutes before lowering his own record of 1:14:10 set last year.

Gulveer, who finished a creditable overall fifth, bagged the winner’s cheque of ₹3,00,000 and an event record bonus of ₹1,00,000. “Records come with consistency. There are no shortcuts,” said Gulveer.

Second-placed Harmanjot was 10th overall.

Indian women’s winner and new event record holder Seema in the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
DEBASISH BHADURI

Dominating the race, World University Games silver medallist Seema registered 1:26:04 to break L. Suriya’s 2017 record of 1:26:53 to be the first among Indian women and 10th overall. Defending champion Sanjivani Jadhav was a distant second.

The results: International: Men: 1. Joshua Cheptegei (Uga) 1:11:49, 2. Alphonce Simbu (Tan) 1:11:56, 3. Tebello Ramakongoana (Lso) 1:11:59.

Women: 1. Degitu Azimeraw (Eth) 1:19:36, 2. Sutume Kebede (Eth) 1:20:28, 3. Meselech Alemayehu (Eth) 1:20:48.

Indian: Men: 1. Gulveer Singh 1:12:06, 2. Harmanjot Singh 1:15:11, 3. Sawan Barwal 1:15:25.

Women: 1. Seema 1:26:04, 2. Sanjivani Jadhav 1:30:34, 3. Nirmaben Thakor 1:32:02.