The 11th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata — India’s only World Athletics Gold Label 25K race — is building its elite field. Procam International opened Indian Elite registrations on October 21, 2026, giving aspiring elite runners a two-week window to submit their applications before the deadline on November 4.
The race goes on December 20, 2026 on Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, one of the fastest 25K courses on the planet. For a complete breakdown of the course, categories and race weekend, see our Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata race guide.
How to Apply for the Indian Elite Category
There is no online form for this one. Eligible athletes must email their timing certificates directly to eliteathlete@procam.in for verification. If your certificate does not go in before November 4, your window is closed.
You qualify by meeting the performance standards below, achieved across any of four distances:
| Distance | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 25K | 1:22:00 | 1:40:30 |
| Marathon (42.195 km) | 2:22:48 | 2:55:02 |
| Half Marathon (21.097 km) | 1:08:29 | 1:23:57 |
| 10K | 0:31:02 | 0:38:02 |
Prize Money: What Is on the Table
The TSW25K is one of the richest 25K races in the world. Based on the 2025 edition structure, the total prize purse stood at USD 142,214 with equal prize money for men and women across the board.
| Finish Position | International Elite (USD) | Indian Elite (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | USD 15,000 | ₹3,00,000 |
| 2nd | USD 10,000 | ₹2,50,000 |
| 3rd | USD 7,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
On top of that, there is a USD 5,000 Event Record Bonus and a USD 25,000 World Record Bonus for any athlete who breaks the 25K world record on Red Road. Indian elite runners who set a new event record earn an additional ₹1,00,000.
Prize Money Rules
Only athletes confirmed by Procam International as elite, starting at the official 25K Elite gun time, are eligible. Prize money is subject to applicable Indian Income Tax Rules, borne by the winner. International elite prize money is paid in USD; Indian elite prize money equivalent is paid in INR at the exchange rate on date of disbursement. Prize money figures above are based on the 2025 edition — verify the 2026 structure at the official prize money page.
Regular Category Registration: What Is Open Now
While the Open 25K has not appeared in the portal yet, Procam has already opened registration for three categories. You can register now at tatasteelworld25k.procam.in.
| Category | Distance | Entry Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open 10K | 10 km | ₹1,400 | Open Now |
| Ananda Run | 4.8 km approx. | ₹499 | Open Now |
| Champions with Disability | 2.3 km | TBC | Open Now |
| Open 25K | 25 km | TBC | Coming Soon |
Open 25K Not Yet Live
The Open 25K slot has not appeared in the registration portal yet. Given the Indian Elite window closes November 4, expect the 25K to open shortly after. This race fills up fast — check the official site regularly and do not wait once it goes live. We will update this post the moment registration opens.
Bib collection will be at the PLAYSCAPE – TSW25K 2026 Expo on December 18 and 19, 2026. Follow FatMarathoner on Facebook for registration alerts.