Joshua Cheptegei cut a contented figure after conquering the streets of Kolkata – India speaking not about times or records, but about the value of winning.
“Winning mattered more than the record for me,” Cheptegei said after claiming gold in the men’s 25km race at the 2025 Tata Steel World Marathon on Sunday.
“Coming back to Kolkata and winning is special. This was a big race with world-class athletes, and this victory gives me confidence as I prepare for my next marathon.”
Those words mirrored a performance built on control and authority. The two-time Olympic champion took charge from the gun, set the pace early and never looked back.
Calm and relentless, Cheptegei crossed the line in 1:11:49 to seal victory in Eastern India’s flagship road race.
Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu stayed in touch but finished second in 1:11:56, while Tebello Ramakongoana claimed bronze in 1:11:59, highlighting the narrow margins behind the Ugandan star.
The win carried added meaning for Cheptegei, who has also triumphed in Bangalore. Adding Kolkata to that list further underlined his growing confidence on the roads as he continues his transition toward marathon racing.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw took top honours in 1:19:36, with Sutume Kebede close behind in 1:20:28. Meselech Alemayehu completed the podium in 1:20:48.
Local athletes also made their mark. Gulveer Singh was the standout Indian in the men’s race, setting a new national record of 1:12:06, while Seema led the women’s Indian category in 1:26:04.
