Bevy of New sponsors – Cigna TTK, PUMA, DHL, Jabong, Volini, & United Way Kolkata
Rs. 22+ lakhs – highest prize money event for Indian athletes & amateurs
Kolkata, 30th September 2015: After a successful inaugural edition, this December, India will witness Kolkata’s spirit and unity like never before. The online and on ground registrations for ‘Tata Steel Kolkata (TSK) 25K’ scheduled for 20th December 2015 have begun. Kolkata’s very own TSK 25K is back in a new avatar and will see participation from some of India’s finest professional athletes, serious runners, health and fitness enthusiasts during the event.
• Registrations open at 5 pm IST on 29th September and close on 4th December, or whenever running places are full, whichever is earlier.
• Entry fee for Senior Citizen’s run and Champions with Disability will be Rs 200
Race categories include the 25K run (Elite and Amateurs), Open 10K Run (Amateurs), Ananda Run (6 km), Senior Citizens’ Run (4 km), and Champions with Disability (4 km), giving an equal opportunity to all individuals to participate, encouraging an active sporting lifestyle. The feature race 25K and Open 10K Run are compulsorily timed race categories.
In addition to the prize money of Rs. 22,80,000, this year, running together can bring you even more joy with TSK 25K announcing awards for highest participation in the following categories, i.e. Social/
At the launch of the second edition, T V Narendran, Managing Director, Tata Steel India & SEA, said, “For Tata Steel, TSK 25K is a great way to engage with the community, a great way to encourage health and fitness among the community. It is also a great way for people to run for a cause. This year, we all have an opportunity to run for fun, for fitness, and also for a cause”.
India’s premier 25K has galvanized the crème de la crème of the cultural capital of the country including the art community, Tollywood, sports icons, government authorities, sports federations, among others.
On this occasion, Debasish Kumar, MMIC, Sports, Parks & Garden, Advertisement & Parking, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, said, “We foresee Tata Steel Kolkata 25K as being part of the annual calendar of events that the city can look forward to. With the launch of 2nd edition, we are sure that more citizens will take to the streets and take up a cause dear to them that will help them rally to the finish line.â€
Ajit Agarkar, Formar Indian Cricketer said, “Running has always been one of my strengths. The cricket pitch demands for a lot of agility and as bowlers, we need to stay on our toes. With the regular training that I engage in, I’ve developed a knack for running and owing to this, I feel that the 25K run will be easier for those who train regularly.”
Speaking at the event, Debyendu Barua, Chess Grandmaster, said “Chess requires undivided attention and focus. As a chess player, I need to be mentally fit at all times and so I make sure I train my mind and condition it to play situations. Physical fitness is essential for chess players and that’s why I think the 25K will be a great opportunity for everyone.”
P.K. Banerjee, Olympian & Former Indian Football Captain, stated, “Running is at the core of most sports, this is especially true for football, so if one wants to be a good sports person, the chances are that running will be a part of their training. It is great to see an event that encourages people to look at running not only as a sport but as a way to keep healthy and for general well-being. “
Prasun Mukherjee, Retired IPS, President of West Bengal Athletic Association, shared his views saying “ Encouraging people to lead a healthy life and to run is a great thing, what makes the TSK 25K an even better event is that it supports philanthropic causes as well, helping people become better citizens and give back to society.â€
Growing in stature and goodwill amongst corporate India as much as with the running community, TSK 25K is pleased to announce a line-up of new sponsors with 6 new brand associations: Cigna TTK – Health insurance partner; Jabong.com – Retail partner; Volini – Recovery Partner; PUMA – Sportswear partner; DHL – Logistics partner; and United Way Kolkata as the Philanthropy partner.
RACE DAY LOOK
PUMA, world’s leading sports brand along with India’s leading sports & fashion multi-brand e-store, Jabong.com will create the entire race day look exclusively for the TSK25K participants. They will offer an exciting range of runner-centric products and enhance their overall running experience.
JABONG COSTUME RUN
The Ananada Run of the TSK 25K Kolkata will be a kaleidoscope of colour – a carnival – where participants turn up in their best colours, in innovative costumes and designs ,showcasing their mood, euphoria, the cause they are supporting. At the TSK 25K Kolkata 2015, the efforts of individuals and groups will be rewarded with cash prizes courtesy Jabong.com, the Retail partner. The winners will be chosen based on their theme, creativity, and effort. The Jabong Costume Run is applicable only for participants of the Ananada Run.
Vivek Singh, Jt. MD, Procam International said, “With distance running events playing a big role in our lives, our vision is to position Kolkata as one of the healthiest and fittest cities in India, and try to bring about a positive change in people’s lifestyle and shape a better future for them. We would like to express our gratitude to the Government & civic authorities, the West Bengal Athletic Association and all our new and existing sponsors for their relentless support and faith in our event.â€
PARTNERS SPEAK
Sandeep Patel, MD & CEO, Cigna TTK Health Insurance Company Ltd said, “We at Cigna TTK firmly believe that it is essential for an individual to make time to engage in physical activity in some shape or form to maintain a healthy life, and consider running as a perfect way to stay healthy. Not only does it invigorate an individual physically, but also has a positive impact on one’s mental well-being. We are proud to be associated as the official health insurance partner for the Tata Steel Kolkata 25.With this event we hope to encourage people to take charge of their health and lead healthy fulfilling lives as we truly believe that ‘health hai to life hai’.’’
Abhishek Ganguly, Managing Director, PUMA Sport India Pvt Ltd said, “We are delighted to associate with Tata Steel Kolkata 25K as the Sportswear Partner. Being the Fastest Sports Brand in the world, PUMA has a strong association in running through world class range of products which is used by some of the best runners in the world. In India we are committed to contributing to the development of running as a sport. We are convinced that Kolkata will be the next destination to see phenomenal growth in people running long distances.”
Subodh Marwah Vice President & Head – Sun Pharma Consumer Healthcare, said, “Volini is delighted to be the Official Recovery Partner for the leading marathons of the country for a second year in a row, beginning with Airtel Delhi Half Marathon this season. Last year we got tremendous response for the “Volini Recovery zone†at the Finish line and it was very well appreciated by the runners and the media. We are committed to provide an even better experience this year to all the runners and participants. This association with marathons across the country will further strengthen Volini’s position as India’s leading instant pain relieving spray & the first choice for runners as a ‘Recovery Expert’.
RUNNER ENHANCEMENTS
TSK 25K endeavours to evolve and improve while providing the best possible running experience to each participant. With this in mind and to encourage the participation of serious runners, the event will give priority in line-up to confirmed applicants of 25K Run and Open 10K Run category who have provided timing certificates along with their application forms. The line-up will be allocated based on the finish time mentioned on the timing certificates submitted at the time of applying. Detailed confirmation criterion is available on the event website.
The 25K and Open 10K runs will be prioritized in three line-up sections on race day as per the timing certificate submitted along with applications. Runners of a 10 km run finishing under 1 hr 22 min., half marathon finishing under 3 hrs, 15 km run finishing under 2 hrs. 05 min., 25 km run finished under 3 hr 35 min., and marathon finished under 6 hrs. 15 min. will be allocated Section A in both race categories. Runners will be allocated Section B and C based on a first come first serve basis on race day.
REGISTRATION AVENUES
. Application forms are available on www.tsk25.procamrunning.in
• Group Entries (20 or more applications) can be deposited along with requisite application fees and covering letter at the Registration office. Applicable only for Ananda Run, Sr. Citizens’ Run and Champions with Disability race categories.
• Online group registration using scratch card. Applicable only for Ananda Run Race Category available at the registration office
• Event helpline +919867722855 (10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday) or email at [email protected] for submission of forms.
• Registration Office – Procam International Pvt.Ltd., 1/A, Ballygunge Circular Road, Tivoli Court, 11th Floor, Kolkata – 700019
